One of the ways you can tell Reverend Hale is enthusiastic is because there are often exclamation points at the ends of his lines. Since this is a play, a lot of the characterization comes through dialogue. A lot of exclamation points show Hale is either shouting or excited.
HALE: Putnam! I had not expected such distinguished company, sir.
PUTNAM: It does not seem to help us today, Mister Hale. We look to you to come to our house and save our child.
HALE: Your child ails, too (Act I)?!
Reverend Hale is the supposed expert on witchcraft. When he first comes in, he has heavy religious books, which he announces are weighted with authority. He never questions whether he is right, and basically finds witchcraft because he is looking for it.
Hale really believes in witchcraft. He thinks the devil is at work in the young women of Salem. Anyone could be at fault. A true believer, Hale is even more dangerous than the lying schemer Abigail.
HALE: Have no fear now — we shall find this devil out if he has come among us, and I mean to crush him utterly if he has shown his face! (Corey crosses near bed, looking at Betty.)
REBECCA: Will it hurt the child, sir?
HALE: I cannot tell. If she is truly in the Devil’s grip we may have to rip and tear to get her free (Act I).
With Hale's presence adding legitimacy to the proceedings in the Salem trials, things get out of control quickly. Hale pushes forward even though it should have been obvious it was just a bunch of girls who got in trouble and made up lies to cover themselves. Since witchcraft was what Reverend Hale was called to find, he finds it.
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