What is Danforth's relationship with John Proctor?

Danforth's relationship with John Proctor is a complex one rooted in authority, conflict, and distrust within the context of the Salem witch trials depicted in Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible". Deputy Governor Thomas Danforth is a representation of the law and theocratic justice system, overseeing the witch trials with a stern, no-nonsense approach to upholding order and purging the community of witchcraft. John Proctor, a local farmer, becomes entangled in the trials as he fights to clear his wife's name and ultimately to expose the falsehood of the accusations of witchcraft that are ravaging Salem.

Danforth views Proctor with suspicion and as a challenge to the court's authority. Despite initially seeing Proctor as a reasonable man when he first comes to the court with evidence to defend his wife, Elizabeth, Danforth's view of him deteriorates as Proctor becomes more desperate and direct in his accusations against the court and the girls driving the witch hunt, especially Abigail Williams. The relationship between the two men becomes strained to the breaking point when Proctor confesses to adultery in an attempt to discredit Abigail and is himself accused of witchcraft.

Proctor's ultimate refusal to confess to witchcraft and to tarnish his name leads to a final, fatal confrontation with Danforth, leading to a tragic ending for Proctor. In that sense, their relationship is representative of the larger thematic struggle within the play between truth and power, integrity and hypocrisy, and the individual versus society.