Is John Proctor a hero or not? We have debated this in class. Now choose the most effective point in the argument for or against and write a paragraph on this point with a really effective topic sentence and evidence from the play in support. Include at least one correctly punctuated quotation.

In the play The Crucible written by Arthur Miller, one of the main characters is John Proctor, and some are unsure that he would be considered a hero or not, however, he is certainly not one. By dictionary definition, a hero is one,  typically a man, who is admired for courage or noble qualities the chief male charter in a book, play or movie, which is typically identified with good qualities. These qualities may include being selfless, trutheful and courageous. This is most certainly the opposite of John Proctor.  When Johns actions are looked at as a whole throughout the whole play, they are almost villain like. Firstly, he disregards his religion and is unfaithful. John Proctor rarely comes to church as he is too busy 'farming' on sundays, some of his sons aren't even baptised, and he also FORGOT some of the ten commandments when reciting them. Not only is he not faithful to God, he is also unfaithful to his WIFE! John Proctor not only once, but countless time cheats on his wife in a long lasting affair with Abigail, practically still a child living in the village. John Proctor quotes in the play "God help me, I lusted, and there is a promise in such sweat. But it is a whore’s vengeance. . . .". A real hero does firstly not cheat on his wife and his loved ones, and secondly, a hero does not call people such disgraceful names like 'whore'. John Proctor is also certainly a hero, as hero's a selfless, courageous, and he is definitely not. In the play, he states merely before his death "How may I live without my name?". Selfish is the only word that he can be described as. In the end of the story line, he is faced with the decision to live with a lie, still being able to support his family, his pregnant wife, or die, knowing he isn't lying, abandoning everyone, and somewhat giving up. This is most certainly not being selfless, one of the main characteristics and qualities one must display to be considered a hero.  It is clear evident that John Proctor is an unfaithful, non-religious, selfish and heartless man.