Parris is the town minister in Salem. Although he is not well liked by many members of the community -- Giles Corey and John Proctor, among others -- this is his role. John, for example, feels that Parris places too much emphasis on material objects, like the golden candlesticks on the altar and even his own income, and he does not "see the light of God" in Parris. Parris also has a daughter, Betty, and he has taken in his niece, Abigail Williams, whose parents were killed during an Indian raid on her home. Parris's job is to be the community's spiritual leader, to lead religious services included officiating at weddings and funerals, christening children, and the like. Although his role is primarily spiritual, it becomes evident fairly quickly that his role is politically charged as well.
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