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3 Dec 2025

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Macbeth Character Analysis Mind Maps

L

Lucy

@ucy_ykd5b10o7kkz26h5

Shakespeare's Macbeth is packed with complex characters who drive this... Show more

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Wife + son are
murdered
makes it
his mission
toget Malcolm
goes to England to side with Malcolm
go to
refuses to Macbeths corination
loyal a

Key Characters: Macduff and Lady Macbeth

Macduff starts as a loyal Scottish nobleman but becomes Macbeth's greatest enemy after his wife and son are brutally murdered. His mission becomes clear: get Malcolm on the throne and destroy the tyrant Macbeth. He's the one who finally kills Macbeth at the play's end, representing justice and loyalty to the rightful king.

Lady Macbeth shares her husband's dangerous lust for power and is the second most significant character in the play. Initially, she's the driving force behind Duncan's murder, though she avoids saying the word "murder" directly when pressuring Macbeth to act.

Her guilt eventually destroys her mental state. In Act 5, Scene 1, she sleepwalks whilst trying to wash imaginary bloodstains from her hands. Despite once saying "A little water clears us of this deed," she becomes obsessed with the stench and spots of blood she imagines covering her hands, ultimately leading to her suicide.

Quick Tip: Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene is often tested - remember how her earlier confidence completely crumbles under guilt.

Wife + son are
murdered
makes it
his mission
toget Malcolm
goes to England to side with Malcolm
go to
refuses to Macbeths corination
loyal a

Banquo, The Witches, and Duncan

Banquo begins as Macbeth's equal - both are brave warriors fighting for Duncan. However, Banquo shows wisdom by expressing concern that the witches could be dangerous, contrasting sharply with Macbeth's susceptibility to their prophecies. His virtue determines his fate differently than Macbeth's.

The Witches form an unholy trinity of supernatural characters who encourage Macbeth's evil inclinations. Their famous line "fair is foul and foul is fair" immediately influences Macbeth, who echoes it with "So fair and foul a day I have not seen." Crucially, they don't control Macbeth - he has free will and chooses his own destructive path.

King Duncan represents stability and protection as the rightful king. Shakespeare presents him as the perfect example of divine rule, making his murder even more shocking. Once Duncan dies, everything begins to fall apart, showing how his death destroys the natural order.

Remember: The witches represent temptation, not control - Macbeth's choices are his own responsibility.

Wife + son are
murdered
makes it
his mission
toget Malcolm
goes to England to side with Malcolm
go to
refuses to Macbeths corination
loyal a

Malcolm and Macbeth's Transformation

Malcolm, Duncan's son, represents stability and lawfulness as the rightful heir. He makes the right decisions for the good of the nation, showing duty and responsibility that directly contrasts with Macbeth's selfish tyranny. Malcolm rules by divine right, whilst Macbeth is merely a usurper who stole the crown.

Macbeth himself is the tragic hero whose fatal flaw (hamartia) is his unchecked ambition. Even though he's aware of his evil actions, he becomes increasingly violent throughout the play. He uses euphemisms when thinking about murder because even the thought frightens him initially.

Shakespeare shows that Macbeth considers regicide immediately after hearing the prophecies, proving he had free will in committing his crimes. His transformation from noble warrior to tyrant demonstrates how ambition without moral restraint leads to destruction.

Essay Gold: Compare Malcolm's legitimate rule with Macbeth's tyranny - this contrast is perfect for exam questions about kingship and divine right.



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Where can I download the Knowunity app?

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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

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Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

English Literature

628

3 Dec 2025

3 pages

Macbeth Character Analysis Mind Maps

L

Lucy

@ucy_ykd5b10o7kkz26h5

Shakespeare's Macbeth is packed with complex characters who drive this dark tale of ambition and power. Each character serves a specific purpose in showing how unchecked ambition can destroy lives and kingdoms.

Wife + son are
murdered
makes it
his mission
toget Malcolm
goes to England to side with Malcolm
go to
refuses to Macbeths corination
loyal a

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

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Key Characters: Macduff and Lady Macbeth

Macduff starts as a loyal Scottish nobleman but becomes Macbeth's greatest enemy after his wife and son are brutally murdered. His mission becomes clear: get Malcolm on the throne and destroy the tyrant Macbeth. He's the one who finally kills Macbeth at the play's end, representing justice and loyalty to the rightful king.

Lady Macbeth shares her husband's dangerous lust for power and is the second most significant character in the play. Initially, she's the driving force behind Duncan's murder, though she avoids saying the word "murder" directly when pressuring Macbeth to act.

Her guilt eventually destroys her mental state. In Act 5, Scene 1, she sleepwalks whilst trying to wash imaginary bloodstains from her hands. Despite once saying "A little water clears us of this deed," she becomes obsessed with the stench and spots of blood she imagines covering her hands, ultimately leading to her suicide.

Quick Tip: Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene is often tested - remember how her earlier confidence completely crumbles under guilt.

Wife + son are
murdered
makes it
his mission
toget Malcolm
goes to England to side with Malcolm
go to
refuses to Macbeths corination
loyal a

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Banquo, The Witches, and Duncan

Banquo begins as Macbeth's equal - both are brave warriors fighting for Duncan. However, Banquo shows wisdom by expressing concern that the witches could be dangerous, contrasting sharply with Macbeth's susceptibility to their prophecies. His virtue determines his fate differently than Macbeth's.

The Witches form an unholy trinity of supernatural characters who encourage Macbeth's evil inclinations. Their famous line "fair is foul and foul is fair" immediately influences Macbeth, who echoes it with "So fair and foul a day I have not seen." Crucially, they don't control Macbeth - he has free will and chooses his own destructive path.

King Duncan represents stability and protection as the rightful king. Shakespeare presents him as the perfect example of divine rule, making his murder even more shocking. Once Duncan dies, everything begins to fall apart, showing how his death destroys the natural order.

Remember: The witches represent temptation, not control - Macbeth's choices are his own responsibility.

Wife + son are
murdered
makes it
his mission
toget Malcolm
goes to England to side with Malcolm
go to
refuses to Macbeths corination
loyal a

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Malcolm and Macbeth's Transformation

Malcolm, Duncan's son, represents stability and lawfulness as the rightful heir. He makes the right decisions for the good of the nation, showing duty and responsibility that directly contrasts with Macbeth's selfish tyranny. Malcolm rules by divine right, whilst Macbeth is merely a usurper who stole the crown.

Macbeth himself is the tragic hero whose fatal flaw (hamartia) is his unchecked ambition. Even though he's aware of his evil actions, he becomes increasingly violent throughout the play. He uses euphemisms when thinking about murder because even the thought frightens him initially.

Shakespeare shows that Macbeth considers regicide immediately after hearing the prophecies, proving he had free will in committing his crimes. His transformation from noble warrior to tyrant demonstrates how ambition without moral restraint leads to destruction.

Essay Gold: Compare Malcolm's legitimate rule with Macbeth's tyranny - this contrast is perfect for exam questions about kingship and divine right.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

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Most popular content: Character Analysis

Most popular content in English Literature

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

Most popular content

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user