The play begins in the home of Reverend Samuel Parris, whose daughter, Betty, lays ill. Parris lives with his daughter and his seventeen-year old niece, Abigail Williams, an orphan who witnessed her parents' murder by the Indians. Parris has sent for Reverend Hale of Beverly, believing his daughter's illness stems from supernatural explanations. Betty became ill when her father discovered her dancing in the woods with Abigail, Tituba (the Parris' slave from Barbados) and several other local girls. Already there are rumors that Betty's illness is due to witchcraft, but Parris tells Abigail that he cannot admit that he found his daughter and niece dancing like heathen in the forest. Abigail says that she will admit to dancing and accept the punishment, but will not admit to witchcraft. Abiga

The second act takes place a week later in the Proctor's home. John Proctor returns home late after a long day planting in the fields, and Elizabeth suspects that he has been in the village. Mary Warren has been there as an official of the court for the witchcraft trials, even after Elizabeth forbid her. Elizabeth tells John that she must tell Ezekiel Cheever, the constable, that Abigail admitted that Betty's sickness has nothing to do with witchcraft, but Proctor admits that nobody will believe him because he was alone with Abigail at the time. This disturbs Elizabeth, but Proctor reprimands her for her suspicion. Mary Warren arrives and gives Elizabeth a poppet that she made in court. Mary tells them that thirty-nine people have been arrested and Sarah Osburn will hang, but not Sarah Good, who confessed. When Proctor becomes angry with Mary, she tells him that she saved Elizabeth's life today, for her name was mentioned in court. Proctor vows to see Ezekiel Cheever, but Elizabeth tells him to see Abigail instead, for Abigail must know that no good can come of her accusing Elizabeth.

The fourth act takes places several months later in the autumn at the Salem jail cell. Marshal Herrick arrives at the cell drunk and wakes up Sarah Good and Tituba, who talk about how the devil will take them to Barbados soon. Danforth arrives with Hathorne, and they discuss whether it is wise to allow Parris to meet with the prisoners, for Parris now has a mad look. Cheever details how the town is in shambles because so many people are in jail. Hale has been begging Rebecca Nurse to admit to witchcraft. Parris arrives and tells Danforth how Abigail has vanished with Mercy Lewis and stolen his money. Parris worries about the rumors of rebellion against the witchcraft proceedings in Andover, but Hathorne reminds Parris how there has only been great satisfaction in all of the Salem executions. Parris reminds him that Rebecca Nurse is no immoral woman such as the others executed and there will thus be less satisfaction, and claims that he worries for his safety, having found a dagger outside his doorway. Still, Danforth refuses to postpone any of the executions.

Giles Corey and Rebecca Nurse are the next to visit. The former is a contentious old man, while the latter is a well-respected old woman. Rebecca claims that Betty's illness is nothing serious, but merely a childish phase. Parris confronts Proctor because he has not been in church recently, but Proctor claims that Parris is too obsessed with damnation and never mentions God.

John Hale arrives, slightly weary and downcast. He tells the Proctors that Elizabeth's name was mentioned and the saintly Rebecca Nurse was charged, then questions Proctor on his churchgoing habits. Finally he makes Proctor state the Ten Commandments; he can remember nine of the ten, but Elizabeth must remind him of the last one, adultery. Proctor tells Hale what Abigail admitted about Parris discovering her in the woods, but

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Approximate Word count = 1997
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)