Other Characters

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There are some other noblemen...

Lennox, Rosse, Menteith, Angus and Caithness are all thanes - Scottish noblemen

None of them are significant characters

They're there to move the story along and show how power shifts during the play

They comment on big events of the play

In Act 3, Scene 6, Lennox sarcastically says Macbeth "nobly" and "wisely" killed Duncan's guards

Shows how the thanes suspect that Macbeth killed Duncan, and suggests that he's starting to lose power

Thanes say that they will "give obedience where 'tis truly owed" - they'll be loyal to whoever deserves it

They gradually start to question whether Macbeth is the rightful King, and start to resent tyranny

By the end of the play, they side with Malcolm and help him defeat Macbeth

Rosse represents the noblemen who comment on the action but are reluctant to put themselves in danger

He warns Lady Macduff that "cruel are the times" but makes an excuse to leave before the murderers arrive

Leaves Lady Macduff, who he calls his "dearest coz", unprotected

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...and a few other minor characters

The Porter appears in Act 2

He's a comic character - he talks about his drunken behaviour the night before, saying that drinking makes three things happen: "nose-painting, sleep, and urine"

He provides a bit of light relief in between the darker, more tragic parts of the plot

Three Murderers appear in Act 3 - they're hired killers that Macbeth persuades to kill Banquo and his son, Fleance

Kill Banquo but let Fleance escape

Murderers show how ruthless Macbeth has become, and possibly that he's unwilling to commit more murders himself

Also kill Lady Macduff and her children on Macbeth's orders - shows how desperate and cruel he is

Siward is an English Lord

He's a great fighter and helps Malcolm defeat Macbeth in Act 5

He's got a son, Young Siward, who is killed in battle by Macbeth

There are a few other minor characters such as the Doctor and the Gentlewoman who are with Lady Macbeth when she goes mad

Only have small parts but they help to move the plot along and develop themes of the play

Cultural Context

In Shakespeare's time, most plays had a clown-like character to amuse the crowd

Usually the clown would be in one or two scenes and would make some rude jokes or silly comments

Theme - Loyalty and Betrayal

Siward shows how important honour and bravery are to him by saying he's glad that his son died an honourable death and showed loyalty to Malcolm