The Crucible (Summary!)

The Crucible, a historical play based on events of the Salem witchcraft trials, takes place in a small Puritan village in the colony of Massachusetts in 1692. The witchcraft trials, as Miller explains in a prose prologue to the play, grew out of the particular moral system of the Puritans, which promoted interference in others' affairs as well as a repressive code of conduct that frowned on any diversion from norms of behavior.

The play begins in the home of Reverend Samuel Parris, whose daughter, Betty, lays ill. Parris lives with his daughter and his seventeen-year old niece, Abigail Williams, an orphan who witnessed her parents' murder by the Indians. Betty became ill when her father discovered her dancing in the woods with Abigail, Tituba (the Parris' slave from Barbados) and several other local girls. Already there are rumors that Betty's illness is due to witchcraft, but Parris tells Abigail that he cannot admit that he found his daughter and niece dancing like heathens in the forest.

It transpires that Abigail was keeping events from Parris; a conversation between Abigail, Mercy Lewis (Putnams’ servant) and Mary Warren (Proctors’ servant) reveals that Abigail had drank blood during the witchcraft proceedings. She did so in order to kill Elizabeth Proctor, wife of John Proctor, whom Abigail had an affair with when she was previously working for the household. Abigail attempts to seduce John Proctor but fails. Betty hears people singing psalms from outside, and begins to shriek. Reverend Parris returns, and realizes that Betty cannot bear to hear the Lord's name.

When pressed by Reverand John Hale, who specially comes to investigate the case, Abigail blames Tituba, claiming that Tituba made Abigail and Betty drink blood and that Tituba sends her spirit out to make mischief. Putnam declares that Tituba must be hanged, but Hale confronts her. Upon realizing that the only way to save herself is to admit to the charge, Tituba claims that the devil came to her and promised to return her to Barbados. She says that several women were with him, including Sarah Good and Sarah Osburn, and the girls join in the chorus of accusations, name more people they claim to have seen with the devil.

The second act takes place a week later in the Proctor's home. John Proctor returns home late after a long day planting in the fields, and Elizabeth suspects that he has been in the village. Mary Warren has been there as an official of the court for the witchcraft trials, even after Elizabeth forbade her. She returns home and gives Elizabeth a poppet that she made in court. The constable arrives and begins to question the Proctors. Proctor reminds him that those accused of witchcraft would certainly confess, if denying it means that they be hanged. Hale becomes increasingly suspicious of the Proctors. An incriminating needle is found in the poppet given by Mary Warren; claims are made against Elizabeth that she is practicing voodoo magic against Abigail, who has reported a piercing needle-like pain. She is arrested.

In the third act, John Proctor convinces Mary Warren to testify against Abigail. Both present a deposition signed by Mary that asserts that she never saw any spirits. Parris thinks that they are there to overthrow the court, and the judges question Proctor’s motives. Proctor also presents a petition signed by ninety-one people attesting to the good character of Elizabeth Proctor, Rebecca Nurse and Martha Corey, all of whom are accused of witchcraft. All names on the petition are presented for investigation.

When Abigail arrives with the other girls, Proctor tells the judges how Abigail means to murder his wife. Abigail pretends that she feels a sharp wind threatening her. Proctor grabs her by the hair and calls her a whore, finally admitting his affair. The judges order that Elizabeth be brought to the court. If Elizabeth admits to firing Abigail for her affair, Abigail will be charged with murder. Elizabeth, thinking that she is defending her husband, only claims that she fired Abigail because of poor work habits. Proctor cries out for Elizabeth to tell the truth, and Hale admits that Elizabeth's lie is a natural one to tell. Abigail then claims that Mary Warren's spirit is attacking her in the form of a bird. Although Mary claims that the girls are lying, she soon breaks down and tells the judges that Proctor is in league with Satan and wants to pull down the court.

John Proctor is arrested!

The fourth act will remain a secret :D To find out, search online, read the book, or await the play :)

References:
http://www.gradesaver.com/the-crucible/study-guide/short-summary/
Brain.