What was the main conflict driving the characters' actions during the trials?

The main conflict driving the characters' actions during the trials in "The Crucible" can be attributed to personal vendettas. Throughout the play, various characters act out of revenge or personal grievances, which significantly influence the events unfolding in Salem.

For instance, Abigail Williams, motivated by her desire to eliminate Elizabeth Proctor, falsely accuses her of witchcraft in order to pursue John Proctor. Similarly, other characters leverage accusations for their own gain, whether it be to eliminate rivals, settle scores, or gain power in the tightly-knit community. These personal motives create a context in which the witch trials become less about actual witchcraft and more about individual vendettas, leading to hysteria and injustice.

While power struggles, land disputes, and religious differences certainly play roles in the backdrop of the story, the intensity of the trials is largely fueled by individual personal motives that compel characters to act against one another. This theme of personal vengeance is integral to understanding the tragic outcomes of the trials and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters.