In Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible," fear plays a significant role in creating authority. The characters in the play are consumed by fear, both of the devil and of being accused of witchcraft. This fear leads to a sense of hysteria, with people making false accusations and turning on each other to protect themselves.
The authority figures in the play, such as Judge Danforth and Reverend Parris, use this fear to their advantage. They capitalize on people's anxiety and uncertainty to exert control over them. By presenting themselves as the only ones who can protect the community from the perceived threat of witchcraft, they become the de facto leaders and authorities.