Macbeth is a brave soldier and a powerful man, but he is not a virtuous one. He is easily tempted into murder to fulfill his ambitions to the throne, and once he commits his first crime and is crowned King of Scotland, he embarks on further atrocities with increasing ease.

Macbeth’s wife, a deeply ambitious woman who lusts for power and position. She seems to be the stronger and more ruthless of the two, as she urges her husband to kill Duncan and seize the crown. 

Three “black and midnight hags” who plot mischief against Macbeth using charms, spells, and prophecies.

The brave, noble general whose children, according to the witches’ prophecy, will inherit the Scottish throne. Like Macbeth, Banquo thinks ambitious thoughts, but he does not translate those thoughts into action. 

The good King of Scotland whom Macbeth, in his ambition for the crown, murders. Duncan is the model of a virtuous, benevolent, and farsighted ruler. 

A Scottish nobleman hostile to Macbeth’s kingship from the start. He eventually becomes a leader of the crusade to unseat Macbeth. 

The son of Duncan, whose restoration to the throne signals Scotland’s return to order following Macbeth’s reign of terror.

The goddess of witchcraft, who helps the three witches work their mischief on Macbeth.

Banquo’s son, who survives Macbeth’s attempt to murder him. 

A Scottish nobleman.

A Scottish nobleman.

A group of ruffians conscripted by Macbeth to murder Banquo, Fleance (whom they fail to kill), and Macduff’s wife and children.

The drunken doorman of Macbeth’s castle.

Macduff’s wife. 

Duncan’s son and Malcolm’s younger brother.

-Kingship and Tyranny (Duncan is always referred to as a “king,” while Macbeth soon becomes known as the “tyrant").

-Manhood (Lady Macbeth manipulates her husband by questioning his manhood).

-Guilt (Macbeth’s guilt about murdering his king).