An inexplicable evil tormenting the young girls of Reverend Samuel Parris's household swiftly spreads through the Puritan community of Salem Village. Fearing the influence of the devil, the afflicted soon begin to make accusations of witchcraft.

The number of accused keeps growing, hinting at a greater conspiracy of witches. The examinations take place in a packed Salem meetinghouse, where suspects face harsh questioning and a mob of afflicted young women shout accusations of witchcraft.

The Salem witch trials finally begin with the case against Bridget Bishop, who is quickly found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging; her death is not enough to quell the hysteria, and five more women are tried and executed within a month.

The witch trials and executions continue throughout the summer but are suddenly halted when the afflicted begin to accuse the elites of Massachusetts, including the Governor’s wife. As the prisoners are released, Salem must deal with the aftermath.