What role does Danforth play in the trials?

Danforth serves as the deputy governor and is a pivotal figure in the Salem witch trials. His role is significant as he embodies the authority of the law within the courtroom setting. He is responsible for ensuring that the trials proceed and for upholding the legal proceedings, which he sees as a means to maintain order in a chaotic situation.

His commitment to the law often blinds him to the moral implications of the trials and the injustices occurring against the accused. Danforth is more focused on the preservation of the court's authority and the reputation of the judicial system than on achieving true justice. This adherence to the law sometimes leads him to make decisions that prioritize the judicial process over individual rights and the truth of the accusations.

This context illustrates his complex character; while he is not an outright villain, his character represents how the law can become a tool of oppression when it is not tempered by justice and fairness.