Character Summary Flashcards
Macbeth
The tragic hero who starts of as a brave nobleman, but descends into insanity due to committing regicide (killing of the king) and intervening with the supernatural
Lady Macbeth
Wife to Macbeth and the tyrannical (cruel/oppressive) force that convinces Macbeth to commit regicide. She takes her own life at the end due to being overwhelmed with guilt
Banquo
Macbeth’s trusted friend. He gets prophecies from the Witches but abstains from intervening with the supernatural. Macbeth gets him killed as he is scared he will threaten his opportunity of becoming King
Macduff
He is a nobleman of Scotland. Macbeth gets his wife and child killed. He is patriotic (loves his country) and works with Malcolm to take down Macbeth. He beheads Macbeth in the end
Malcolm
He is King Duncan’s son who had to flee after the murder of his father. He is the rightful King of Scotland. He works with Macduff to take down Macbeth. He becomes King at the end.
The Witches
They collude to deceive and manipulate Macbeth. They give him self-fulfilling prophecies and speak in spells and rhyme
Hecate
She is goddess of the Witches and encourages the Witches to amplify their deception in regards to Macbeth as his ego was getting too big
King Duncan
The King of Scotland at the beginning. He is brutally murdered by Macbeth
Fleance
Son of Banquo. Macbeth gets murderers sent to kill him and Banquo, he escapes
Donalbain
Son of Duncan (brother to Malcolm). He flees when his father (Duncan) is killed
Ross
Ross is a messenger, delivering vital information to characters. He delivers the news about Macbeth’s new title and the murder of Macduff’s family
Lennox
He is a nobleman. He is a supportive figure to Malcolm and wants to protect Scotland
