Declaring witchcraft provides her with instant status and recognition within Salem, which translates into power. Abigail uses her authority to create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. Her actions drive the plot of the play, and she is the catalyst that stirs the hysteria surrounding the witch trials
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Miller introduces the play with the witch Abigail Williams, whose witchcraft hysteria is due to her carnal lust for Proctor. Abigail's desire to possess Proctor motivates her, driving her to drink blood and cast a spell on Elizabeth. The evil present in Abigail can only be understood in terms of human depravity.
