I need help with an introduction for the prompt, "Who we are is truly tested and proven when we encounter conflict," based on The Crucible.I will...

Much of what is going to be present in the introduction is
going to come out of what your analysis of the characters are going to be.  I think that
it would be a good starting point to use the title of Miller's work in your
introduction.  The very idea of discussing a "crucible" could be important in the
overall thesis of the paper:

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A crucible is a container used to heat metal to
extremely high temperatures, refining it to its barest essence and melting away any
foreign substances or impurities. A crucible is also defined as a 'severe test or trial,
especially one that causes a lasting change or
influence.'

Given how the
events of Salem will impact the townspeople on both personal and social levels, I think
that it might be effective in the introduction to stress how the entire play surrounds
this idea of a "severe test."  The reaction of the townspeople to the accusations of
witchcraft, and how social solidarity endures its own crucible as a result would be
effective elements in to include in the introduction.  At the same time, I think that
bringing out, briefly in the introduction, how Rebecca, Giles, and John all must reckon
with the consequences of this test, recognizing how their characters are only worthwhile
when put through these intense crucibles.  I think that the introduction of your paper
including the actual definition and term of "crucible" might help to establish what is
going to be proven in the course of its analysis.