Macbeth: Characters

Key Characters in Macbeth

1. Macbeth
2. Lady Macbeth
3. Banquo
4. Macduff
5. King Duncan
6. The Three Witches
7. Malcolm

Macbeth

Quote: "Is this a dagger which I see before me"

Analysis: Macbeth's vision of the dagger symbolises the psychological torment he experiences as he contemplates murdering Duncan. The dagger, an illusion, represents his overwhelming ambition, blurring the lines between reality and his dark desires. Shakespeare uses this hallucination to convey Macbeth's inner conflict and the beginning of his moral disintegration. The choice of a dagger, a weapon, implies that Macbeth's thoughts are dominated by violence, foreshadowing the bloodshed that will follow. This scene is crucial as it marks the turning point where Macbeth is driven by ambition rather than morality, setting him on a path of self-destruction.

Quote: "I am in blood stepp'd in so far that"

Analysis: Macbeth's acknowledgement that he is "stepp'd in blood" implies that he is so entangled in his violent actions that redemption is no longer possible. The metaphor of wading through blood not only symbolises the irreversible nature of his crimes but also the weight of guilt that now consumes him. Shakespeare uses this imagery to highlight the extent of Macbeth's moral decay; he is trapped in a cycle of violence that he initiated, which conveys the idea that unchecked ambition can lead to a point of no return. This moment reflects the broader theme of the corrupting power of unchecked ambition and how it leads to inevitable downfall.

Lady Macbeth

Quote: "unsex me here"

Analysis: Lady Macbeth calls on dark forces to strip away her femininity, which she associates with weakness, to carry out the murder of Duncan. This shows her rejection of traditional gender roles and her willingness to embrace evil to achieve power. Shakespeare uses this moment to explore the theme of gender roles and the overthrowing of natural order. This act foreshadows her eventual unravelling, as the psychological toll of her actions becomes too great to bear.

Quote: "Out, damned spot! out, I say!"

Analysis: The imagined bloodstain that Lady Macbeth obsessively tries to wash away symbolises the inescapable guilt that haunts her. Shakespeare's use of this powerful imagery conveys the psychological burden of her complicity in Duncan's murder. The repetition of "Out" implies her desperation to rid herself of the consequences of her actions, yet the "spot" represents the inescapable nature of guilt. Despite her initial ruthlessness, she cannot escape the psychological consequences of her actions, which ultimately drive her to madness.

Banquo

Quote: "Thou hast it now: king, Cawdor, Glamis, all... and I fear thou play'dst most foully for't."

Analysis: Banquo's suspicion of Macbeth's rise to power highlights the theme of ambition corrupted by evil. Unlike Macbeth, Banquo remains morally upright, even though he is tempted by the witches' prophecy, which ultimately makes him a threat to Macbeth.

Quote: "May they not be my oracles as well?"

Analysis: Banquo reflects on the witches' prophecy about his descendants becoming kings. Although he does not act on it, this moment reveals his human desire for power, contrasting with Macbeth's willingness to commit murder to achieve it. Shakespeare uses this moment to explore the theme of ambition and the idea that even the most virtuous people are still affected by temptation. Banquo's temptation contrasts with Macbeth's immediate action, implying that while ambition is natural, it is the response to this ambition that defines one's character. This moment also foreshadows the danger that Banquo represents to Macbeth, as Macbeth's fear of losing power leads to Banquo's murder.

Macduff

Quote: "I shall do so; but I must also feel it as a man."

Analysis: Macduff's response to the news of his family's murder conveys a balanced view of masculinity, contrasting sharply with Macbeth's brutal understanding of what it means to be a man. Macduff's words imply that true manhood involves not just action but also the capacity for emotion and empathy. Shakespeare uses this contrast to highlight the different ways in which characters in the play understand power and responsibility. Macduff's ability to feel grief and still seek justice symbolises a more humane approach to power, suggesting that strength comes from a combination of compassion and courage. This makes Macduff a heroic figure, embodying the values that Macbeth has lost.

Quote: "Turn, hellhound, turn!"

Analysis: By calling Macbeth a "hellhound," Macduff implies that Macbeth has become an evil creature, entirely consumed by his ambition and treachery. This moment symbolises the ultimate clash between good and evil in the play, with Macduff representing justice and Macbeth representing corruption. The language here conveys the intensity of Macduff's anger and determination, setting the stage for Macbeth's downfall.

King Duncan

Quote: "There's no art to find the mind's construction in the face."

Analysis: This quote foreshadows Duncan's fate, as he is deceived by Macbeth's outward loyalty. Shakespeare uses Duncan's trusting nature to symbolise the vulnerability of goodness in a world where ambition and deceit are prevalent. This moment also highlights the tragic irony of Duncan's situation—his inability to see Macbeth's treachery leads to his death, which in turn sets off a chain of events that plunges Scotland into chaos.

Quote: "His virtues will plead like angels..."

Analysis: When Macbeth considers murdering Duncan, he recognises Duncan's virtues, which highlights the serious moral conflict he is experiencing. Shakespeare uses angelic imagery to emphasise Duncan's goodness and the idea that kings are chosen by God, making the act of killing him even more grievous. This understanding deepens the sense of betrayal and heightens the tragedy, underscoring how unnatural and devastating it is to commit such a crime against a rightful king.

The Three Witches

Quote: "Fair is foul, and foul is fair."

Analysis: The witches' statement captures the theme of appearance versus reality, suggesting that nothing in the play is as it seems. Shakespeare uses this line to create a sense of moral confusion and deception that runs throughout the story. The witches imply that the natural order is being turned upside down, which is a key idea in the play as characters like Macbeth disrupt moral and social norms in their pursuit of power. This quote also foreshadows the chaos and disorder that will follow as Macbeth is influenced by the witches' manipulations.

Quote: "All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!"

Analysis: This prophecy sparks Macbeth's ambition, illustrating the power of suggestion and how external forces can influence human behaviour. Shakespeare uses the prophecy to explore the theme of fate versus free will, showing how Macbeth's choices in response to the witches' words drive the story forward. Although the witches plant the idea of becoming king in Macbeth's mind, it is his decision to act on it that leads to his downfall. This moment highlights the dangerous attraction of power and how easily it can corrupt, serving as a warning about the consequences of letting ambition take over.

Malcolm

Quote: "To show an unfelt sorrow is an office which the false man does easy."

Analysis: Malcolm's comment on how easily false men can fake emotions shows his growing understanding of deceit and betrayal. This marks his development from a vulnerable prince to a wiser and more cautious leader, preparing to reclaim the throne. Shakespeare uses Malcolm's awareness to contrast him with Macbeth, who has become an expert in deception. This quote also ties into the theme of appearance versus reality, as Malcolm recognises the danger of trusting what appears to be true in a world full of lies and deception.

Quote: "This tyrant, whose sole name blisters our tongues, was once thought honest."

Analysis: Malcolm's description of Macbeth highlights the transformation in his character from a respected and noble warrior to a hated tyrant. This shift emphasises how Macbeth's unchecked ambition has completely destroyed his honour and reputation. Shakespeare uses this line to illustrate the devastating effects of power and how it can corrupt even those who were once considered virtuous. Malcolm's words also serve as a reminder of the tragic fall that comes when one allows ambition to override integrity and moral values.