Judge Danforth
Judge Danforth is a selfish man who puts his reputation before the lives of others. Danforth remains a static character throughout the play. He stays self-absorbed, cold-hearted, and determined to protect his reputation from the beginning to the end. Danforth takes advantage of his high position and thinks he "speak[s] God's law" (129) by condemning innocent people to death. How does Danforth know what God wants or what God thinks? Danforth is a cold-hearted judge who does not do his job. As a judge, Danforth is supposed to bring justice to the court, yet he brings justice by making decisions that will benefit him in the long run. The man has the audacity to think he is infallible: "Mr. Hale, you surely do not doubt my justice" (99). Danforth's overflowing pride leads him to believe he is at the same level with God. By condemning the so-called witches, Danforth is actually clearing Salem of the true Christians. Danforth even tells Proctor he "cannot live in a Christian country" (141) when there really is no Christianity left.
Judge Danforth is like a mother bear, protecting her cubs. If another animal comes too close, then she will attack it. Likewise, Danforth will attack anybody that may ruin his reputation. A mother bear hunts down prey to feed her cubs, just like Danforth condemns innocent people to feed his hunger for reputation. A mother bear scavenges for food to keep her cubs alive, just like Danforth hunts for reasons to keep his reputation alive.
Judge Danforth is like a parent who does not allow anybody to question his authority.
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