Answer: They change the mood of the play in that they bring topics such as greediness, selfishness and even death. The author immediately builds suspense when these characters enter the play.
Explanation:
The Crucible is a play written by Arthur Miller in 1953. It tells a story about the Salem witch trials in the Massachusetts Bay Colony (1692-93). In the story, Thomas Putnam is a wealthy man who refuses to forgive Francis Nurse from sabotaging Putnam's brother-in-law in his election to the office of minister. Putnam has become rich through accusing people of witchcraft. He is married to Ann Putnam.
The first appearance of the Putnams is in Act I. The author immediately builds suspense around their characters:
"Enter Mrs. Ann Putnam. She is a twisted soul of forty-five, a death-ridden woman, haunted by dreams. "
We find out that Ann has given birth to eight babies, seven of which died. The entrance of Mr and Mrs Putnam, therefore, introduces the topics of death, greediness and selfishness.
