In the world of the play, the sacrifices of characters like John Proctor and Rebecca Nurse are both meaningful and important. Their sacrifices are important to the other characters in the play, as they serve as examples of integrity and moral courage. For instance, Proctor's decision to confess to adultery, despite the risk of public shame and humiliation, demonstrates his willingness to stand up for what he believes in, even in the face of overwhelming pressure to conform. Similarly, Rebecca Nurse's refusal to falsely confess to witchcraft serves as an example of her unwavering commitment to the truth, even when it means putting her own life at risk.
Moreover, their sacrifices are also important to the larger themes of the play, such as the dangers of mass hysteria and the importance of standing up against injustice. The sacrifices of Proctor and Nurse demonstrate the terrible consequences of unchecked paranoia and irrational fear, and the need for individuals to speak out against injustice, even at great personal cost.
Overall, the sacrifices of characters like Proctor and Nurse are meaningful and important to both the other characters in the play and the larger themes of the story. Their actions serve as powerful reminders of the importance of moral courage and the need to fight against injustice, even when it is difficult or dangerous to do so.