Reverend Hale, a visitor to Salem, a very religious man who is seeking the truth and only the truth. He is visiting Salem to aid them in finding the devil in their village. Hale is a straight forward man and does not have a gray area or think it is ok to lie or forget to follow your religions views. Hale says to Parris “No, no. Now let me instruct you. We cannot look to superstition in this. The Devil is precise; the marks of his presence are definite as stone, and I must tell you all that I shall not proceed unless you are prepared to believe me if I should find no bruise of Hell upon her.” (1116). Hale informs the people of Salem he won’t do anything if there is no proof of signs of the devil in Salem. Hale proves his strict religious views when Proctor forgets one of his commandments. Hale says to Proctor “Theology, sir, is a fortress; no crack in a fortress may be accounted small.” (1130). Hale is straight forward with the people in Salem and wants nothing but the truth. He is cautious with his actions and does background checks on the people of the village.
Hale starts to change when they are in the court, the men are trying to prove their wives innocence and Hale starts to believe them. Hale says to Danforth “Excellency, I have signed seventy two death warrants; I am a minister of the Lord, and I dare not take a life without there be a proof so immaculate no slightest qualm of conscience may doubt it.” (1143). Hale is trying to get Danforth to let the men go back home so they can better prepare themselves to prove their wives innocence. Hale also says to Danforth “I believe him! This girl has always struck me false! She has