Proctor is based off of John Proctor, a historical person and character in The Crucible by Arthur Miller. Miller wrote the play to talk about the accusation of communism in the US and what's famously known as "The Red Scare." The Crucible, which features real people in history, is about the Salem Witch Trials, which Miller felt was similar to The Red Scare. It's a great play and I recommend reading it as well as watching the movie.

"Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life!
Because I lie and sign myself to lies!
Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang!
How may I live without my name?
I have given you my soul; leave me my name!" -Proctor