The Characters
in words
MACBETH
Appears brave and powerful, but is easily influenced. His ambition turns him into a murderer and a tyrant, but the emotional weight of his crimes haunt him.
“Is this a dagger which I see before me,
The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee. (Act 2 Sc 1)”
LADY MACBETH
Macbeth’s wife ambitious, manipulative, and clever wife. She is the stronger one in the couple at the beginning of the play, but her guilt drives her mad and she commits suicide.
“Out, damned spot! Out, I say!” (Act 5 Sc 1)
THE THREE WEIRD SISTERS
Appearing in many ways to be witches, they remain a mystery throughout the play. They use charms, spells and prophecies to plot against Macbeth. Their predictions about his future prompt him to commit his crimes.
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair; Hover through the fog and filthy air.” (Act 1 Scene 1)
BANQUO
Noble general. Ambitious but virtuous. His ghost visits Macbeth, constantly reminding him of the path he could have taken rather than becoming a tyrant.
“If you can look into the seeds of time, And say which grain will grow and which will not,
Speak, then, to me, who neither beg nor fear, Your favors nor your hate.” (Act 1 Scene 3)
KING DUNCAN
King of Scotland whom Macbeth murders in order to take the crown. Duncan is a good and kind king and his death symbolizes the destruction of order in Scotland.
“What bloody man is that? He can report, As seemeth by his plight, of the revolt
The newest state.“ (Act 1 Scene 2)
MACDUFF
Scottish nobleman who eventually leads a crusade against Macbeth with the goal of restoring Malcolm to the throne. He also wants revenge against Macbeth who killed his wife and children.
“Despair thy charm, And let the angel whom thou still hast served
Tell thee, Macduff was from his mother’s womb, Untimely ripped.” (Act 5 Sc 8)
MALCOLM
The son of Duncan who flees Scotland after his father is murdered. His restoration to the throne symbolizes Scotland’s return to order after Macbeth’s evil reign.