What does the character of Tituba represent in the play?

In "The Crucible," Tituba represents a symbol of fear of the "other," which is a central theme in the play. As a character from Barbados and someone identified as an outsider, she embodies what the Puritan community fears: deviation from their strictly defined societal norms and beliefs. Her presence in Salem during a time of social and moral panic reflects the community's anxiety about witchcraft and the unknown, as well as their tendency to scapegoat those who are different. Tituba's association with voodoo and her status as an enslaved person heighten this fear, leading to her being unjustly accused in the witch trials. Thus, her character serves to expose the fears and prejudices that fuel the hysteria in Salem. This fear of the "other" not only drives the action of the play but also illustrates how societies can turn against marginalized individuals in times of crisis.