Characters Flashcards
The wife of the hero and the driving force behind the crime who eventually is driven by guilt to sleepwalking, paranoia, and suicide.
Lady Macbeth
The characters who plot mischief against Macbeth and prophesize his destiny to be king and then fall.
The three witches (or “weird sisters”)
A close friend of Macbeth’s, prophesized to father the future king. Because of this, as king, Macbeth hires a group of murderers to kill him. Father to Fleance. His ghost returns to haunt Macbeth.
Banquo
The former king of Scotland, murdered by Macbeth.
King Duncan
The tragic Aristotelian hero of the play who kills the king to take the throne and suffers an ill fate because of it.
Macbeth
A Scottish nobleman who doubts Macbeth. His wife and son are murdered by assassins sent by Macbeth. He eventually leads a crusade to avenge their deaths and place Malcolm in his rightful place on the throne.
Macduff
The son of King Duncan who initially fled after his death. Returns at the end to restore order after Macbeth’s reign of terror has ended.
Malcolm
Goddess of witchcraft who aids the three witches
Hecate
Son of Banquo, escapes Macbeth’s attempted assassination and disappears.
Fleance
The two frequently appearing Scottish noblemen
Ross and Lennox
Hired by Macbeth to kill Banquo, Fleance, and Macduff’s family
The two (three?) assassins
Macbeth’s drunken doorman
Porter
Wife of Macduff, killed by Macbeth’s hired murderers
Lady Macduff
Malcolm’s younger brother, flees with Malcolm after their father is murdered.
Donalbain
An English general who aids in the battle with Macbeth his son is killed in battle against Macbeth.
Siward
