Macbeth Character chart - Humble Independent School District



Macbeth Character chart CharacterCharacter typeChief motives/ traitsRole in playQuoteAt beginning of playAt end of playMacbeth Tragic heroCourage, ambitionGreat 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.Tyrannous King. Killed by Macduff.Lady Macbeth Ambitious partner of Macbeth. Courage, ambition without morality.“Dearest partner of greatness”: Confidant and goad of Macbeth.“yet do I fear thy nature; It is too full of the milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way”(1, v)Strong, amoral, overcomes Macbeth’s scruples. Hatches plan to kill Duncan.Driven mad by remorse, kills herself.DuncanNoble KingVirtuous, wise KingVictim: represents overthrow of natural order.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.BanquoLoyal general and thaneAmbition 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.MacduffLoyal thaneValour and shrewdnessMacbeth’s nemesis“Despair thy charm …, Macduff was from his mother’s womb untimely ripp’d”(5,vii)Appears after Duncan’s murder. Immediately suspicious of Macbeth.Kills Macbeth Ross‘Weathervane’ ThaneNo real character‘Messenger’: Shows how play is turning“Alas, poor country; almost afraid to know itself”(4,iii)Brings news of Macbeth’s promotionGoes over to Malcolm’s side.MalcolmRightful heirShrewd 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 ScotlandThe WitchesTrouble makersEvildoers: Out to cause troublePlay 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 Character ChartCharacterChief Motives/TraitsRole in the PlayQuoteAt the Beginning of the PlayAt the End of the PlayMacbethLady MacbethDuncanBanquoMacduffRossMalcolmThe Witches ................
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