Macbeth Character chart
Character
Character
type
Tragic hero
Chief motives/
traits
Courage,
ambition
Role in play
Quote
At beginning of play
Great man elevated
beyond his abilities
“I have no spur to prick the sides of
my intent, but only vaulting
ambition…”(1, vii)
Valiant general and Thane.
Ambition tempered by scruples.
‘Rapt’ with Witches’ prophesy.
At end of
play
Tyrannous
King. Killed
by Macduff.
Lady
Macbeth
Ambitious
partner of
Macbeth.
Strong, amoral, overcomes
Macbeth’s scruples. Hatches
plan to kill Duncan.
Driven mad
by remorse,
kills herself.
Noble King
“Dearest partner of
greatness”:
Confidant and goad
of Macbeth.
Victim: represents
overthrow of natural
order.
“yet do I fear thy nature; It is too full
of the milk of human kindness to
catch the nearest way”(1, v)
Duncan
Courage,
ambition
without
morality.
Virtuous, wise
King
Macbeth speaking of D: “this Duncan
hath borne his faculties so meek, hath
been so clear in his high office”(1, vii)
Places ‘absolute trust’ in
Macbeth, and promotes him.
Murdered
early in play
by Macbeth.
Banquo
Loyal general
and thane
Ambition and
bravery
tempered by
caution.
Serves as foil to
Macbeth’s ambition
“That, trusted home, might yet
enkindle you unto the
crown…”(1,iii)
Takes a more sceptical attitude
to witches.
Murdered by
Macbeth’s
minions
halfway
through
play.
Macduff
Loyal thane
Valour and
shrewdness
Macbeth’s nemesis
‘Weathervane’
Thane
No real
character
‘Messenger’: Shows
how play is turning
Appears after Duncan’s murder.
Immediately suspicious of
Macbeth.
Brings news of Macbeth’s
promotion
Kills
Macbeth
Ross
“Despair thy charm …, Macduff was
from his mother’s womb untimely
ripp’d”(5,vii)
“Alas, poor country; almost afraid to
know itself”(4,iii)
Malcolm
Rightful heir
Shrewd and
noble. ‘Chip off
the old block’
Retrieves rightful
title: restores natural
order.
“Macbeth is ripe for shaking, and the
powers above put on their
instruments”(4,iii)
Named as Duncan’s heir. Flees
to England after murder.
Crowned
King of
Scotland
The
Witches
Trouble
makers
Evildoers: Out
to cause trouble
Play on Macbeth’s
delusion
“By the pricking of my thumbs:
Something wicked this way
comes”(4,i)
Conspire to waylay Macbeth.
Delude
Macbeth:
Pave his
descent into
Hell.
Macbeth
Goes over to
Malcolm’s
side.