Macbeth Character Analysis
In the beginning of the play, Macbeth is described as 'brave and heroic'. Duncan constantly praises Macbeth, which leads to a big ego and self-pride. When Macbeth beheads an enemy soldier in battle, he is depicted as both heroic and violent, foreshadowing his own destiny/fate when he is beheaded at the end of the play. Shakespeare hints at a theme of how obsessive violence can lead to one's downfall. Later on, Macbeth is also described as weak for letting his wife take control.
Lady Macbeth Character Traits
Lady Macbeth is one of Shakespeare's most famous and frightening female characters. When we first see her, she is already plotting Duncan's murder, and she is stronger, more ruthless, and more ambitious than her husband. She seems fully aware of this and knows that she will have to push Macbeth into committing murder. At one point, she wishes that she were not a woman so that she could do it herself.
Banquo: Macbeth's Best Friend
Banquo is another general in King Duncan's army and Macbeth's best friend. While both men have ambitious thoughts, Banquo is more cautious and does not resort to murder to get what he wants. Banquo is aware that the Witches' predictions may be tricking Macbeth into evil actions and is the first to suspect Macbeth of murder. He dies while protecting his son, Fleance, and comes back as a ghost to haunt Macbeth. Banquo is in many ways Macbeth's opposite. He is kind and caring, loyal and trustworthy. He fights bravely for King Duncan but does not involve himself with the murder plot. When he and Fleance are attacked, his first thought is to keep his son safe. Banquo displays all the character traits that make up a truly noble person.
Duncan: The Generous King
Duncan is the king of Scotland in Macbeth, and he is characterized as a generous and kind man. He may also be too trusting for his own good, as he happily accepts Macbeth's invitation to spend the night at Macbeth's castle. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are determined to ensure the predictions come true. Together, they devise a plan to kill Duncan, thus paving the way for Macbeth to secure the throne for himself.
The Macbeth Witches
The Macbeth witches are some of the most iconic and recognizable characters in Shakespeare's work. These three figures are sinister, supernatural women who give Macbeth and Banquo a series of prophecies that ultimately come true, though not in the way the men might have expected. The witches are essentially a plot catalyst, pushing the story forward toward its inevitable and bloody conclusion. The three weird sisters, or witches, have predicted that Macbeth will become king.
The witches have already proven the efficacy of their predictions; they said Macbeth would be named thane of Cawdor and that prediction came true. Macbeth has two reasons for believing the witches' prophecies. He also desires to believe the prophecies about the bright future that awaits him.
Macduff: The Loyal Antagonist
Macduff is loyal to King Duncan and to Duncan's son, Malcolm. Macduff is the main antagonist of the play because he is aligned against Macbeth and eventually kills him. However, Macduff is also one of the main heroes of the play; he proves himself to be honorable and loyal, whereas Macbeth grows increasingly bloodthirsty and greedy throughout the play.
By analyzing the Macbeth characters, it is clear that each one plays a significant role in the development and outcome of the story. Their traits, actions, and relationships contribute to the overall themes of ambition, power, and the consequences of unchecked desires.
