Abigail Williams lies when she falsely accuses Tituba of working for the devil along with Sarah Good, Goody Osburn, and Bridget Bishop. Abigail also lies when she falsely accuses Elizabeth Proctor of attempted murder and denies having an affair with John.

Abigail Williams is clearly the leader of a group of young girls who make accusations of witchcraft in The Crucible. Abigail controls the other girls with commands and threats. She also manipulates her uncle and the judge with lies, whining, and malicious hints.

Abigail Williams reveals to John Proctor that the girls were only dancing in the woods and that Betty's condition is due to fear, not witchcraft. This private admission indicates that the accusations of witchcraft are fraudulent. Elizabeth Proctor urges John to disclose this information to the court, but he hesitates due to his past affair with Abigail. Ultimately, John's reluctance and the lack of evidence complicate his efforts to expose the truth.

Abigail Williams tries to persuade John Proctor to be with her by reminding him of their past passion and asserting that Elizabeth, not John, fired her. She claims that John still loves her, citing his loneliness and alleged longing looks at her window. Abigail also insults Elizabeth, calling her "sickly" and accusing her of harming Abigail's reputation. Despite her efforts, John ultimately rebuffs Abigail and returns to Elizabeth.

The best symbols representing Abigail at the start and end of The Crucible are a dagger or sharp needle and a poppet. Initially, a dagger or needle symbolizes her malevolent and violent nature, as she threatens and manipulates others. By the end, a poppet represents her control and manipulation, reflecting her shift from a controlled figure to a puppeteer who orchestrates chaos and then escapes.

Abigail is a beautiful but self-centered young woman who is willing to do anything to get John Proctor (her former employer) to herself. She wants to eliminate his wife, Elizabeth. Abigail continues her deceptions as she threatens the other girls if they reveal her true reason for being in the forest and drinking blood as a charm to kill Elizabeth Proctor. John Proctor is a man in love with Abigail Williams, but he knows that she will ruin him if he gives into his desire for her. He struggles with lust and decides that he must confess his sin of lust in order to discredit Abigail. He tells Judge Danforth that Abigail just wants to be rid of Elizabeth:

When Reverend Hale expresses doubt about Abigail's truthfulness, he is dismissed by Danforth, and Abigail intensifies her manipulation by feigning hysteria. She screams and accuses John Proctor of witchcraft, diverting attention from Hale's suspicions. Abigail's actions aim to regain control as her credibility faces threats from Hale's denouncement and her exposed affair with Proctor. This manipulation results in Proctor's accusation, Hale's departure in frustration, and Abigail's restored standing in the court.

Abigail's past relationship with the Proctors began when she worked as their servant. The relationship soured after Abigail and John Proctor engaged in an affair, which Elizabeth Proctor discovered, leading to Abigail's dismissal. Despite John ending the affair and apologizing to his wife, Abigail remained infatuated, attempting to implicate Elizabeth in witchcraft to eliminate her and pursue John. Abigail's flirtatious behavior and attempts to maintain a connection with John highlight her persistent obsession.

The text conversation between John Proctor and Abigail Williams from The Crucible could use exact dialogue sequences from Miller's play with no changes necessary, depending on the scene.

The discussion reveals Abigail's manipulative and deceitful nature, as she lies to Betty about confessing everything to her father and even strikes her. Abigail's willingness to do anything, including drinking a charm to kill Goody Proctor, shows her determination to eliminate obstacles to her desires. Mary Warren's suggestion to tell the truth foreshadows her later attempts to confess in court, highlighting Abigail's power to intimidate and control the other girls.

Abigail Williams is manipulative, vengeful, and a leader, driven by a desire for attention and power. She uses deceit to protect herself and exact revenge, particularly against Elizabeth Proctor. Despite her malicious actions, her youth and vulnerability, stemming from her traumatic past, provide some context. John Proctor is forthright, confident, and struggles with guilt over his affair with Abigail. He values integrity, loyalty, and honesty, though he is sometimes flawed, reflecting his complex character.