1. History of Adultery: Abigail, a young woman in the Puritan community of Salem, had previously engaged in an illicit affair with John Proctor, a married man. This affair ended, and Abigail still feels bitterness and resentment towards Proctor, who has since reconciled with his wife. Abigail views their past relationship as a source of shame and holds a grudge against Proctor.
2. Power and Manipulation: Abigail possesses a certain level of power within the community, particularly regarding the accusations of witchcraft that have emerged. She uses these accusations as a means of getting revenge on those she deems responsible for her past disgrace, including Proctor and his wife, Elizabeth Proctor. Abigail's manipulation and lies have devastating consequences for the entire community.
3. Fear of Exposure: Abigail is aware that if her past relationship with Proctor were to be revealed, her credibility as an accuser would be undermined, and she would face punishment for her actions. This fear drives Abigail to perpetuate her false accusations and maintain control over the situation, leading to further conflicts with Proctor.
4. Desire for Revenge: Abigail, driven by jealousy, anger, and shame, seeks revenge against those she perceives as responsible for her downfall. She accuses Elizabeth Proctor of witchcraft, not only as a means of protecting herself but also as a way of punishing both Elizabeth and John Proctor for the choices they have made.
5. Clash of Wills and Personalities: Abigail and John Proctor are both strong-willed individuals with contrasting personalities. Abigail is cunning, manipulative, and driven by her passions. In contrast, Proctor is a deeply troubled yet inherently honest man who becomes increasingly determined to expose Abigail's deceit and exonerate his wife and others wrongfully accused.
The conflict between Abigail and Proctor reaches its climax in the play's final act when Proctor publicly confronts Abigail, exposing her lies and revealing the truth about their past affair. This confrontation highlights the personal consequences of Abigail's actions and brings her scheme crashing down.