Betty, the daughter of Reverend Samuel Parris, is initially presented as a young girl who falls mysteriously ill. As the play progresses, it becomes apparent that her condition is not simply physical but connected to the alleged witchcraft taking place in Salem.
Abigail Williams, Betty's cousin and friend, accuses Tituba, a slave in the Parris household, of witchcraft, claiming that Tituba conjured spirits in the woods. This accusation sparks the hysteria and subsequent witch trials in Salem. However, Betty's involvement is not limited to her initial accusation.
As the play unfolds, Betty behaves strangely, often experiencing fits and claiming to see spirits in the courtroom during the trials. These outbursts and accusations greatly influence the proceedings and contribute to the mounting fear and paranoia within the community.
Betty's actions and testimonies, whether genuine or influenced by the escalating hysteria, play a crucial role in shaping the narrative of the play. Her experiences in the woods and her subsequent behavior become key pieces of evidence against the accused witches, including John Proctor and his wife, Elizabeth.
Ultimately, Betty's role serves to highlight the dangerous and irrational forces at work during the Salem witch trials. Her words, influenced by her personal experience or manipulated by others, contribute to the hysteria that engulfs the town, leading to the tragic consequences faced by the accused.