Parris and Putnam share a casual relationship, however, Putnam seeks to exploit the relationship for his selfish gains. Parris leads the church in which Putnam is a member. Putnam is an embittered man because the Salem community rejected his brother-in-law for the position of minister. Thus, the situation at Parris’s home provides him with an opportunity to seek revenge against members of the community he perceives to be his enemies.

Putnam urges Parris to consider Betty’s condition as being of a supernatural nature, involving witchcraft. Although Parris tries to resist the idea, he eventually succumbs to Putnam’s pressure and sets the proceedings in motion. Putnam believes he shares the same enemies as Parris and that their combined efforts will help them eliminate the individuals. Their daughters are involved in the witch hunt, and most accusations emanate from Putnam and are then supported by Parris.

It doesn't seem as though there is any very special relationship between the Reverend Parris and Mr. Putnam.  Putnam is one of the first people to arrive at Parris's house when Betty Parris falls ill, and he is anxious to persuade Parris that witchcraft is at the root of Betty's illness as well as his own daughter, Ruth's, illness.  He wants Parris to announce to the town that a witch or witches are responsible for the girls' sickness.  Putnam tells Parris, "Now look you, sir.  Let you strike out against the Devil, and the village will bless you for it!"  He attempts to compel Parris to proclaim witchcraft by claiming that instead of it being used against Parris by his enemies, he can appear to get in front of it and take credit for his forethought. 

Later in the same act, Putnam outright issues Parris an order, saying, "When Reverend Hale comes, you will proceed to look for signs of witchcraft here."  He seems quite resolute, and due to his bitterness and greed, it seems possible that he may already be attempting to manipulate Parris so that he can accuse his political enemies or those whose land he desires.