John Proctor has shown some heroic characteristics and some stoogely behavior throughout the course of the play. However, in my opinion, characters are mostly remembered by their final actions/words. With that being said, I will remember John Proctor as a misguided hero.
Allow me to illustrate this situation: John Proctor was a well respected Puritan man with a wonderful life and a beautiful family. But he also has a big secret. This secret is the one thing that is allowing him to keep his life. The only problem with this is that of his wife is at stake. John, being the respectable man that he is, confesses his sin of adultery with seventeen year-old Abigail Williams to save his wife from being hung for witchcraft. With this goes his respect and integrity.
I say he is misguided because he is not the most religious guy on the block and he also managed to commit a son. Not only did he commit this sin, but he kept it from others so he wouldn't have to suffer the consequences. However, it is good that he did so because this secret has helped him save the life of a loved one, but not his own.
We now have a new hero. He shall be called The Adulterer.
I agree with your opinion of John Proctor being both hero and a stooge throughout the play and that his actions defined him as a hero. I don't think there is one hero that I know of that is completely perfect and free of flaws, so he very well might be able to fit in as one! haha
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