1. False Accusations: Abigail Williams, fueled by her jealousy towards Elizabeth, accuses her of witchcraft. Abigail claims that Elizabeth sent her spirit to harm and torment Abigail and other girls in the village.
2. Enmity with Abigail: Abigail holds a grudge against Elizabeth because Elizabeth's husband, John Proctor, had an affair with Abigail in the past. Abigail's desire for revenge and her attempts to ruin Elizabeth's reputation play a significant role in Elizabeth's arrest.
3. Testimony of Mary Warren: Mary Warren, who initially sides with Abigail and the other girls accusing innocent people, later confesses the truth. She reveals that Abigail and the girls were lying and that Elizabeth is innocent. However, Mary's confession is disregarded due to the court's biased proceedings and the power held by Abigail and her supporters.
4. Incriminating Evidence: Abigail presents a poppet (a small cloth doll) in court, claiming that Elizabeth gave it to her as a voodoo doll to harm Abigail. Mary Warren also mentions that she saw Abigail sewing the doll, further implicating Elizabeth.
5. Lack of Support: Despite John Proctor's efforts to defend his wife and expose Abigail's lies, the court refuses to listen to his testimony. The court is more inclined to believe the young girls and their accusations rather than consider rational arguments or evidence.
6. Fear and Hysteria: The Salem witch trials were driven by fear, superstition, and mass hysteria. The atmosphere of suspicion and panic in the community made it difficult for anyone to speak against the accusations, including Elizabeth Proctor.