John Proctor, a man who committed adultery and didn't admit it until later, is definitely not a hero. He worried more about his name and his reputation than saving his wife and bringing justice to Salem. In addition, he felt it reasonable to sacrifice himself and not blacken his name any further, leaving his pregnant wife with two children and another one on the way. Proctor got himself into this situation, and he did not do well to get himself out.
However - who can blame him??
John Proctor is neither hero or stooge, he is a victim. He made mistakes in his past, and was trying his best to save his family, his friends and neighbors, and himself, all while having a personal battle with the town minister and Abigail Williams. The legal system was rigged against him, and there was no way out of the situation without loosing one of his values.
