CHARACTERS - Macbeth

CHARACTERS - Macbeth

1. MACBETH IS AMBITIOUS BUT EASILY LED ASTRAY

   • Macbeth is a strong warrior who fights in battle.
   • He's ambitious - he wants to become King of Scotland and will do anything to make this happen, even commit murder.
     • However, he's got conscience, and often doubts when he's doing the right thing.
       • He spends a lot of time feeling guilty.
   • He's easily influenced by others, which means he can be weak.

2. HE'S A BRAVE HERO

   • At the start of the play, Macbeth is described as a "valiant" warrior.
     • Rosse compares him to "Bellona's bridegroom" - the Roman goddess of war.
       • "Bellona's bridegroom"
     • "valiant"
   • Macbeth's brave actions impress the King, who names him Thane of Cawdor.
     • This title shows that the King recognises Macbeth's "personal venture" (how bravely he fought") and loyalty.
       • "personal venture"
   • Macbeth seems most comfortable on the battlefield
     • When he's on the battlefield, he doesn't have to worry about the guilt or morality of his actions.
   • Macbeth died in battle too
     • he fights "bear-like" despite realising his doom.
     • "He's determined to "try the last".
     • He says he "will not yield"

3. HE'S ALSO A BRUTAL MURDERER

   • Macbeth is brave but is also a cold and calculating killer.
     • He murders Duncan because he wants to be King.
     • He also has Macduff's family and Banquo killed because he's about losing his position.
   • Macbeth is influenced by the people around him.
     • He lets Lady Macbeth persuade him to kill Duncan because he knows he wants to become King.
       • His ambition is stronger than his morality.
     • At the end of the play, Macduff calls Macbeth a "hell-hound" and Young Siward calls him "abhorred tyrant"
       • "hell-hound"
       • "abhorred tyrant"
       • Macbeth's violent ambition has ruined all of his noble characteristics.

4. HE STRUGGLES WITH HIS CONSCIENCE

   • Has a strong sense of right and wrong
     • He worries about consequences of his actions.
       • because there's "judgement" on earth.
       • and there's "deep damnation" after death.
       • This makes actions more shocking.