1. False Accusations: The girls continue to make false accusations of witchcraft against innocent individuals in the town. Abigail takes charge of the situation and encourages the other girls to support her claims, resulting in a growing list of accused people.
2. Manipulation and Power: Abigail uses her influence over the girls to maintain control and further her personal agenda. She manipulates them to confess to witchcraft and implicate others falsely, solidifying her position as a powerful figure in the town.
3. Hysteria Spreads: As the act ends, the hysteria surrounding witchcraft intensifies. The girls' accusations escalate, leading to the imprisonment of several innocent people and creating an atmosphere of fear and paranoia within the community.
4. Paranoia and Fear: The atmosphere of mistrust and fear escalates as townspeople begin to doubt one another's motives and loyalty. The once-peaceful community faces turmoil as friendships and relationships are strained by the mounting hysteria.
5. Abigail's Motives: Throughout Act One, Abigail's underlying motivations become more apparent. Her desire for revenge against John Proctor, with whom she had an illicit affair, fuels her determination to accuse Proctor's wife, Elizabeth, of witchcraft.
The final moments of Act One showcase the escalating tension and turmoil caused by the Salem witch trials, setting the stage for the dramatic events that unfold in subsequent acts.