John Proctor is one of the most rational and unreligious characters in The Crucible. Unfortunately, this is what led to his death. I believe he was a hero because he knew the reasons that everyone was crying witch, and tried to stop the unfair accusations. Basically the one bad thing he did was cheat on his wife, but he made it clear that wasn't going to happen again. He is usually kind; for example when you first meet him he is going to check on Betty. Proctor is Christian, but he openly disagrees with how Reverend Parris preaches. He wasn't afraid to stand up to Parris about it, or to the judges in the court. His strong will and pride also show at the very end, when he refuses to have his confession posted on the church door. He knows he has already committed enough sins, and by not giving a false confession he believes he is honoring the other prisoners who didn't confess, and he can still go to heaven with pride.
I don't think Proctor was a stooge, because he was doing what he thought he should and not what others wanted him to do. His accusations against Abigail are what caused his death. When he finally admitted he had an affair, to make them not trust Abigail, they made him look like a liar. After, Mary Warren turned on him saying he made her do witchcraft. John Proctor was never meant to be accused; Abigail wanted Elizabeth dead. Her plan backfired while causing the deaths of more than 100 people.
John Proctor WAS the most rational character. And the fact that he died for telling the truth was completely unfair.
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