Which character is concerned with the material well-being of the community?

Thomas Putnam is the character who is primarily concerned with the material well-being of the community in "The Crucible." Throughout the play, he is depicted as a man who leverages the witch trials to serve his own interests. Putnam's wealth and landholdings are central to his character; he seeks to acquire more land by accusing his neighbors of witchcraft, thereby eliminating them and paving the way for himself to purchase their forfeited properties. His actions highlight a selfish and manipulative aspect of materialism in the context of the societal chaos, making his motivations and concerns align strongly with economic gain and power over the community.

In contrast, Reverend Parris is more focused on his reputation and position rather than the well-being of the community as a whole. John Proctor embodies a sense of moral integrity and personal guilt rather than material concerns. Giles Corey, while involved in the events surrounding the trials, is primarily portrayed as a figure of resistance against the oppressive court rather than someone focused on material interests.