Main Answer:
The central plot of Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible" revolves around the character John Proctor and his extramarital affair with Abigail Williams.
Step-by-step explanation:
This liaison becomes a critical element in the unfolding drama set against the backdrop of the Salem witch trials. The affair is rooted in Proctor's moments of moral weakness, and it serves as a catalyst for the escalating hysteria in the community.
Abigail Williams, a young woman who previously worked as a servant in the Proctor household, becomes infatuated with John Proctor. The affair itself is a manifestation of Proctor's internal conflict, torn between the obligations of his marriage and the lure of a forbidden liaison. This moral dilemma not only exposes the personal failings of Proctor but also becomes a potent weapon in the hands of those seeking to exploit the witch trials for personal gain.
The affair between John Proctor and Abigail Williams is a pivotal point in the narrative, driving the characters' motivations and contributing to the tragic events that unfold in Salem.