REV. PARRIS

"At the time of these events Parris was in his middle forties. In history he cut a villainous path, and there is very little good to be said for him. He believed he was being persecuted wherever he went, despite his best efforts to win people and God to his side. In meeting, he felt insulted if someone rose to shut the door without first asking his permission. He was a widower with no interest in children, or talent with them. He regarded them as young adults, and until this strange crisis he, like the rest of Salem, never conceived that the children were anything but thankful for being permitted to walk straight, eyes slightly lowered, arms at the sides, and mouths shut until bidden to speak."

"And what shall I say to them? That my
daughter and my niece I discovered
dancing like heathen in the forest?"
-Rev. Parris

Now look you, child, your punishment will
come in its time. But if you trafficked with
spirits in the forest I must know it now, for surely
my enemies will, and they will ruin me with it.
-Rev. Parris

The first quote shows that Parris is solely worried about his reputation in front of others. He does not want people to think of him as a sinful person. Miller describes him as someone who took a "villainous path". This explains why Parris is concerned about his reputation so much. The second quote, also said by Parris, shows that he is still focused on his reputation. But, in addition, it proves Miller's description of Parris not experienced with children because he talks very strictly and rudely with Abigail.