Characters

Major and Minor Characters

Macbeth - a Scottish general and the thane of Glamis who is led to wicked thoughts by the prophecies of the three witches, especially after their prophecy that he will be made thane of Cawdor comes true. Macbeth is a brave soldier and a powerful man, but he is not a virtuous one. He is easily tempted into murder to fulfill his ambitions to the throne, and once he commits his first crime and is crowned king of Scotland, he embarks on further atrocities with increasing ease. Ultimately, Macbeth proves himself better suited to the battlefield than to political intrigue, because he lacks the skills necessary to rule without being a tyrant. His response to every problem is violence and murder.

Lady Macbeth- The wife of Macbeth, who is even more driven by greed and power than her husband and who is the manipulative force behind the murder of Duncan. Like her husband, fear and remorse cause her ruin; she goes mad and kills herself.

Malcolm- King Duncan's oldest son, rightful heir to the throne of Scotland, who flees to England after his father's murder and later returns to lead a successful attack against Macbeth.

Banquo- A general in Duncan's army and a close friend of Macbeth prior to Macbeth's seizing the throne. Macbeth begins to fear the good Banquo and has him murdered.

Macduff- A general in Duncan's army who becomes suspicious of Macbeth's part in the king's murder. Macduff flees to England to encourage Malcolm to fight against Macbeth and seize his rightful crown. When Macbeth murders Macduff's entire family, Macduff swears personal revenge against the tyrant and succeeds in beheading him during battle.

The Three Witches -The personification of evil who prophesy that Macbeth will become the King of Scotland, planting the seed of greed in his mind. They later predict his downfall.

Donaldbain -Duncan's youngest son who flees to Ireland after his father's murder and does not return.

Lennox -One of Duncan's nobles who accompanies Macbeth to Duncan's chambers after his murder. Lennox is suspicious of Macbeth and fearful for Scotland.

Ross -A Scottish noble and cousin to Macduff. He brings the good news of Macbeth's military victory and the bad news about Macduff's murdered family.

Siward -Earl of Northumberland and veteran military officer; he becomes an ally of Malcolm and Macduff and leads the first attack against Macbeth's forces.

Young Siward -The son of Siward who follows his father to fight against Macbeth in Scotland; he is killed in battle.

Seton -The only remaining officer in Macbeth's army that remains loyal to him.

Hecate -The queen of the witches.

Fleance- Banquo's son, who survives Macbeth's attempt to murder him.

The Murderers- A group of ruffians conscripted by Macbeth to murder Banquo, Fleance(whom they fail to kill), and Macduff's wife and children.

The Porter- The drunken doorman of Macbeth's castle.

Lady Macduff- Macduff's wife. The scene in her castle provides our only glimpse of a domestic realm other than that of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. She and her home serve as contrasts to Lady Macbeth.

Macbeth and the three witches

Shakespeare in the Elizabethan Age