how does the author portray the people of salem

In general the people of Salem are somewhat superstitious and believe that anything that is bad that happens is the work of the devil.  You have each person shown differently; John is very cynical and does not believe anything.  The Putnams believe that their daughter, the only one they have actually raised, is bewitched.  Rebecca Nurse is a kind soul who looks like the most wonderful saint ever.  The Reverend Parris is paranoid and very angry because he feels he has not been given the respect he deserves from the people of Salem.  It is a strange bunch of people, but each person is distinctly an individual.