How does Miller characterize authority figures in the play?

Miller characterizes authority figures in "The Crucible" as corrupt and self-serving, highlighting their preoccupation with maintaining power over serving the community. This portrayal is evident through characters like Reverend Parris, who is more concerned with his reputation and position than with the truth or the well-being of his parishioners. Similarly, Deputy Governor Danforth embodies the rigid and unyielding nature of authority, prioritizing the court's power and his own status over justice. The motivations of these figures reveal how personal interests can corrupt the ideals of authority, leading to disastrous consequences in the Salem witch trials. This characterization invites the audience to critically assess the integrity of those in power and the impact their corruption has on society as a whole.