The cast of characters in the Salem Witch Trials is entirely accurate historically. George Burroughs, Giles Corey, John Proctor, etc are all present. Many are malicious individuals who wish to profit financially or to take revenge on someone else through the abuse of the system of law. Others are craven due to religious fanaticism, or are just plain stupid individuals who will believe anything. There are only a few voices of reason such as Giles Corey, and many of them end up being punished too.