What does Abigail Williams want to achieve throughout the play?

Abigail Williams is primarily driven by a desire for power and control throughout "The Crucible." She seeks to manipulate the circumstances surrounding the witch trials to serve her own interests. Abigail’s actions are motivated by her infatuation with John Proctor and a fierce determination to remove Elizabeth Proctor, John's wife, from her path. By instigating hysteria and accusations of witchcraft, she essentially positions herself as a key player in the community, wielding significant influence over the townspeople and the court.

Her pursuit of power is evident as she expertly navigates the fear and paranoia of those around her, culminating in her ability to dictate the fates of others through false accusations. This desire for control also reflects her need to assert herself in a society where women have few rights and little agency. Through Abigail's character, Arthur Miller illustrates how some individuals exploit societal fears for personal gain, often with devastating consequences.

In contrast, motivations like truth and justice, reconciliation and peace, or wealth and status are not the primary focus of Abigail's actions. Her selfishness and manipulative behavior starkly differ from the ideals represented by truth and justice, and her relentless ambition reveals a destructive quest for supremacy rather than any desire for harmony or moral virtue.