macbeth character development essay

William Shakespeare

• Literature Notes
• Macbeth at a Glance
• Play Summary
• About Macbeth
• Character List
• Summary and Analysis
• Act I: Scene 1
• Act I: Scene 2
• Act I: Scene 3
• Act I: Scene 4
• Act I: Scene 5
• Act I: Scene 6
• Act I: Scene 7
• Act II: Scene 1
• Act II: Scene 2
• Act II: Scene 3
• Act II: Scene 4
• Act III: Scene 1
• Act III: Scene 2
• Act III: Scene 3
• Act III: Scene 4
• Act III: Scene 5
• Act III: Scene 6
• Act IV: Scene 1
• Act IV: Scene 2
• Act IV: Scene 3
• Act V: Scene 1
• Act V: Scene 2
• Act V: Scene 3
• Act V: Scene 4
• Act V: Scene 5
• Act V: Scene 6
• Act V: Scene 7
• Act V: Scene 8
• Act V: Scene 9
• Character Analysis
• Lady Macbeth
• Character Map
• William Shakespeare Biography
• Critical Essays
• Major Themes
• Major Symbols and Motifs
• Macbeth on the Stage
• Famous Quotes
• Film Versions
• Full Glossary
• Essay Questions
• Practice Projects
• Cite this Literature Note

Character Analysis Macbeth

Macbeth is introduced in the play as a warrior hero, whose fame on the battlefield wins him great honor from the king. Essentially, though, he is a human being whose private ambitions are made clear to the audience through his asides and soliloquies (solo speeches). These often conflict with the opinion others have of him, which he describes as "golden" (I:7, 33). Despite his fearless character in battle, Macbeth is concerned by the prophecies of the Witches, and his thoughts remain confused, both before, during, and after his murder of King Duncan . When Duncan announces that he intends the kingdom to pass to his son Malcolm , Macbeth appears frustrated. When he is about to commit the murder, he undergoes terrible pangs of conscience. Macbeth is at his most human and sympathetic when his manliness is mocked and demeaned by his wife (see in particular Act I, Scene 7).

However, by Act III, Scene 2, Macbeth has resolved himself into a far more stereotypical villain and asserts his manliness over that of his wife. His ambition now begins to spur him toward further terrible deeds, and he starts to disregard and even to challenge Fate and Fortune. Each successive murder reduces his human characteristics still further, until he appears to be the more dominant partner in the marriage. Nevertheless, the new-found resolve, which causes Macbeth to "wade" onward into his self-created river of blood (Act III, Scene 4), is persistently alarmed by supernatural events. The appearance of Banquo 's ghost, in particular, causes him to swing from one state of mind to another until he is no longer sure of what is and "what is not" (I:3,142).

But Macbeth's hubris or excessive pride is now his dominant character trait. This feature of his personality is well presented in Act IV, Scene 1, when he revisits the Witches of his own accord. His boldness and impression of personal invincibility mark him out for a tragic fall.

Previous Scene 9

Next Lady Macbeth

Macbeth Essays

There are loads of ways you can approach writing an essay, but the two i favour are detailed below., the key thing to remember is that an essay should focus on the three aos:, ao1: plot and character development; ao2: language and technique; ao3: context, strategy 1 : extract / rest of play, the first strategy basically splits the essay into 3 paragraphs., the first paragraph focuses on the extract, the second focuses on the rest of the play, the third focuses on context. essentially, it's one ao per paragraph, for a really neatly organised essay., strategy 2 : a structured essay with an argument, this strategy allows you to get a much higher marks as it's structured to form an argument about the whole text. although you might think that's harder - and it's probably going to score more highly - i'd argue that it's actually easier to master. mainly because you do most of the work before the day of the exam., to see some examples of these, click on the links below:, lady macbeth as a powerful woman, macbeth as a heroic character, the key to this style is remembering this: you're going to get a question about a theme, and the extract will definitely relate to the theme., the strategy here is planning out your essays before the exam, knowing that the extract will fit into them somehow., below are some structured essays i've put together., macbeth and gender.

73 pages • 2 hours read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Act Summaries & Analyses

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

The title character and the play’s protagonist , Macbeth is a tragic figure whose soaring ambition compels him to lose his humanity. At the beginning of the play, he is a conquering hero. Before the audience has even been introduced to Macbeth, the level of respect which he is accorded by other characters demonstrates that he is worthy of attention.

A victorious general, Macbeth is rewarded for his great deeds with noble titles and praise from King Duncan. But it is not enough. After an encounter with a coven of witches, Macbeth becomes obsessed with becoming king. His frequent asides to the audience make clear that his ambitions have taken over his entire character. Once a confident, benevolent, and respectable figure, Macbeth transforms into a deranged, paranoid despot who butchers innocent women and children on a whim.

Get access to this full Study Guide and much more!

• 7,400+ In-Depth Study Guides
• 4,900+ Quick-Read Plot Summaries
• Downloadable PDFs

Don't Miss Out!

Access Study Guide Now

Related Titles

By William Shakespeare

All's Well That Ends Well

William Shakespeare

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Antony and Cleopatra

As You Like It

Henry IV, Part 1

Henry IV, Part 2

Henry VI, Part 1

Henry VI, Part 3

Julius Caesar

Love's Labour's Lost

Measure For Measure

Much Ado About Nothing

Featured Collections

Audio Study Guides

View Collection

Books Made into Movies

British Literature

Elizabethan Era

Shakespeare

The Character of Macbeth – Essay

Antonious Mekheail

Shakespeare never fails to stun an audience with a complex yet entertaining character. His play of Macbeth is no exception. One might judge Macbeth to be the valiant hero of the play, to the audiences surprise and bewilderment, he is also the villain. To create such a character requires an unparalleled plot and great writing skill. Macbeth’s character is expressed in a way that relates to the audience. His moral transformation from valiant to vile, his moral hesitation and his torturing conscience are all elements that condemn Macbeth but at the same time evoke the audience’s sympathy.

Macbeth is merely mentioned by the witches at the start of the play. We first meet “Brave Macbeth” while at work as a thane protecting his king from rebels and Norwegian invaders. “Valour’s minion…ne’er shook hands, nor bad farewell to him till he unseamed him from the nave to th’chaps” . A very detailed account of Macbeth as a warrior is given by an injured officer to Duncan. From this source it is proven how brave and courageous Macbeth is. “Cannons overcharged with double cracks…memorise another Golgotha” . This establishes that Macbeth is accustomed to killing and death, on the battlefield that is, but he is not a murderer.

“Bellona’s bridegroom” is also a “Valliant cousin” to the king of Scotland himself, which proves to be a loyal servant of somewhat royal blood. He is also conveyed as noble and worthy of praise: “what he hath lost noble Macbeth hath won” . A title is not a trifle for a reward, which proves that Macbeth is a sublime character loved by all. However not everyone is perfect, even Macbeth has some deep forgotten desire that will eventually come to surface through catalysts in the plot, and will led him to his pitiful demise.

Macbeth’s currently established character is put into question when it is discovered that he is so easily corrupted by the prophecy of the three wired sisters. Despite the good news of his promotion, Macbeth is shocked and frightened. The witches have awakened the long dormant vaulting ambition for him take hold of the crown. This puts into question if he was innocent and pure initially or was he stained with deep and dark desire to usurp the crown: “stay… speak… would they have stayed” . The fact that Macbeth wanted the witches to stay puts into question his loyalty to sovereign.

Even though the witches are evil characters, Macbeth does not want to believe in this. The first part of their prophecy came true, maybe the crown will be his after all. He is blinded by their equivocation and by his vaulting ambition: “Why do I yield to such a suggestion whose horrid image doth unfix my hair and make my seated heart knock at my ribs” . Macbeth is slowly goaded into the thought of murder which shows that he was initially a little corrupted by his dormant ambition. However he does not succumb easily to this ghastly deed; his morals and his noble nature are in vicious conflict with his ambition. He is being torn apart by his desire for the crown and his moral prevention to achieve it. “chance may crown me without my stir” . Finally Macbeth mediates by hoping there to be a way to achieve kingship without murder.

The corruption of Macbeth is accelerated by an event and a character. Duncan proclaims Malcolm heir to the throne. To his un-awareness, this was Duncan’s greatest mistake as it gives Macbeth a motive for the murder. Now it is a “step” which he must “o’er leap for in my way it lies” . Now he realises that “chance” will not crown him without his inevitable “stir” . Even though Macbeth now has a motive for murder he is still in moral turmoil. “We’d jump the life to come” . Macbeth is bewildered, will he be able to trade his soul in the next life for kingship in this one. His intimacy with himself proves to him that his only motive for this murder is his bare ambition to be king: “I have no spur/ to prick the sides of my intent, but only/ vaulting ambition” . In his vacillation he decides not to carry out the deed.

This decision infuriates Lady Macbeth and she kills him morally. “was the hope drunk/ wherein you dressed yourself” . Lady Macbeth uses reverse psychology by insulting her husband’s manliness: When you durst do it, then you were a man” . This flawless tactic works well on Macbeth and he is won over by her “undaunted mettle” . “I am settled and bend up each corporal agent to this terrible feat” . The verb “bend” shows the struggle in him to carry out the act, it goes against his nature. The decision for the murder is nevertheless Macbeth’s. Although Lady Macbeth is the catalyst he must ultimately take full responsibility for his own actions.

The murder of Duncan may be depicted as the point of no return for the character of Macbeth. He is now frail and quite paranoid just after the murder, this contrasts with him being confident and brave on the battlefield; killing then seemed normal to him, but murder, he feels that he has condemned his soul. “Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?” . The amount of guilt that Macbeth feels is unbearable to any man, which shows that he has not completed the course of his moral deterioration. Macbeth has now become a tyrant that will suspect everyone, even those closest to him.

The crown has defiled Macbeth and he realizes that it only brings sadness and despair. Macbeth is even jealous of Duncan who is dead that he is resting in peace and him who is unable to even sleep is living in torment torn by guilt and paranoia. A new feature of the new Macbeth is also hypocrisy: “fail not our feast” . Macbeth sends off Banquo with a warm farewell and probably a smile. Here Macbeth is following his wife’s advice: “look like the innocent flower but be the serpent underneath” . Another trait acquired by Macbeth, again from Lady Macbeth is the power of manipulation. Macbeth appeals to the murders’ desire for revenge and mocks their patience for tolerating such injustice rendered to them by Banquo. Macbeth has also become cold and calculating in nature, even human life does not seem to posses any value to him. Terms like: “business” and “work” in reference to the murder and his attitude towards the innocent child Fleance, is merely another obstacle to Macbeth’s security. All of this reinforces his cold clinical attitude towards people and his morally corrupt attitude.

Macbeth has also become dead inside. When Macduff flees the realm of Scotland for England to conspire with Malcolm against Macbeth, Macbeth resorts to the most cowardly and ruthless of ways to punish Macduff for his insolence. Macbeth murders Macduff’s family. He has become so heartless that murder seems like a hobby to him. This is in stark contrast with the Macbeth whom the thought of murder “shook my very state of man” .

A final turning point that affects the character of Macbeth, is the death of his spouse. Although Macbeth has committed monstrous deeds, he is not a monster. In fact he feels, which is quite surprising, sadness and compassion towards the tragedy. Life now seems to him utterly futile, a slow inexorable progression toward death: “It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury signifying nothing” . One cannot help but feel at least some sympathy for Macbeth. He has been equivocated upon by the witches, his wife died, all of Scotland scorns him and he is carrying an unimaginable burden of guilt. However he still retains some of his original traits. In his fight against Macduff Macbeth refuses to go down without a fight: “ I will not yield to kiss the ground before young Malcolm’s feet… “hold, enough”” . A formidable warrior indeed. Even when the entire world is against him he holds his head high with pride.

“Macbeth” would not have been the masterpiece of literature that it is without such a character. Notice that Macbeth is the protagonist, and also the antagonist. Hero and villain. Good and evil. Macbeth is not the average character which just defeats the villain and the play ends happily ever after; he is much more complex than that, much more alive. His transformation from the loyal, virtuous, moral individual to the abomination of a tyrant and finally to the heartbroken, empty individual. The moral turmoil that is experienced by Macbeth and his deep, delving sense of guilt proves him to be somewhat of a good person. But his heinous acts of murder and manipulation show the dark side of his character which is solely fuelled on his one flaw: his vaulting ambition. Macbeth was not originally a murderer, but he was bound to become one eventually. The turn of events at the end of the play also suggest that the spirit of Macbeth will live on, as most likely Macduff will become another Macbeth. Macbeth is a skilfully created character that possesses more than one personality within him; this is what makes him remembered by all, it makes him immortal.

Notes on Character Sketch of Macbeth in English

Back to: Macbeth by William Shakespeare

Table of Contents

Rage for Power

Macbeth is a character raging for power for its own sake. In the play, at the very beginning, one gets to know of the glory of his bravery and immense capacity to bring victory as a general in the army of King Duncan. But his very first meeting with the three witches reveals to us his all-pervading ambition for power.

Macbeth’s very first dialogue in the play, “ so foul and fair a day I have not seen ” repeats what the three witches say earlier and it reveals to us the contradictory state of his mind.

The same prophecy makes Banquo clarify his conscience while Macbeth unties the knot to his ambition. Harold Bloom said that Macbeth is a tragedy of imagination. It may mean that Macbeth suffers his tragic fall because of the unchecked imagining of power. 

Macbeth suffers from the horror found in his own thoughts. Unlike other villains, he never delights in the evil in him. Intensely aware of his wickedness, he goes on doing things much worse than his previous acts.

After listening to the prophecy of the three witches, he has already imagined himself in the position which he must have been lusting after unknowingly since ever. When Duncan declares Malcolm as the heir to his kingdom, it automatically springs him to actions.

He becomes a killing machine. Lady Macbeth has to just mock his manhood, it clears his confusion and he follows the misdeed to the end.

In the play, his character begins at the highest point where features like strength, ambition, power work in a positive mode but with each Act everything good in him subverts further until a declaration of madness is made.

Shakespeare has great faith in order. Through Macbeth, he seems to be warning us of unchecked ambition. Macbeth with all his determination starts acting in a way which is unnatural for the established order.

The play declares its sympathy for primogeniture, the right of inheritance belonging to the eldest son. When the three witches confront him with the prophecy, he presses on them to “ tell me more.” 

He commits regicide without many second thoughts apart from his instinctive questioning of conscience. While Banquo doesn’t want to believe in the three witches, wondering “ can the Devil speak true? ”, it is Macbeth who goes on imagining the path to make it come true like the prophecy just confirmed what he had been aspiring for.

Banquo’s Warning

Banquo warns him that such “ instruments of darkness tell us truths…to betray us in deepest consequence ” but to no avail, he is further conveniently manipulated by Lady Macbeth.

By Act III , Macbeth has full command over his misdeeds. It says, “ Blood will have blood .” He kills Banquo without even noticing any of his goodness. His ambition has no principle to it. His imagination can accommodate the whole ocean of Neptune when he reveals his guilt after his first murder in the play.

His thoughts are vivid and full of such visual images. His imagination aids to his “ vaulting ambition ” which “ overleaps itself .” Macbeth has a great capacity for love. With Lady Macbeth, he makes a great practical couple. His passion for Lady Macbeth, his “ partner in greatness ” is one great unselfish passion.

Her death shocks him to compare life to the idiot’s tale, a poor player. It is hard for us to decide whether he is a man of action or he is a thinker or a dreamer thrown out of his context.

He never contemplates defeat, rather in the end he says “ I will not yield to kiss the ground…yet I will try the last.. ” Towards the end, his pride and the faith in his invincibility dominantly marks his character.

Character Development In Macbeth

The Tragedy of Macbeth incorporates character development to present William Shakespeare’s motive; throughout the play it allows the audience to see the message the play relays. The play is a tragedy and it specifically shows the tragedy of humans as they self destruct. There is a use of literary devices to create different aspects of each character allowing them to portray different images of themselves that wouldn’t be noticed initially. Compared to how the audience views each character in the beginning of the play, the image develops into something new as different aspects are revealed. The characters and their continuous changes become the essence of the play. The development and new aspects of each character leads to Shakespeare’s motive. …show more content…

He goes from being a loyal soldier to a cruel tyrant killing all of his enemies. In the beginning of the play he is presented as a loyal soldier to King Duncan and he is widely respected and admired by people. It can seem questionable as to why Macbeth is an antagonist when he has the trope of a hero. Despite that image, his inner thoughts begin to reveal themselves, showing another side to Macbeth that people don’t know about. Macbeth soon admits to his dark lust for power and status beyond his capability. At first these thoughts remain hidden, but when the witches approach him with their predictions his desires reform his character. The witches wait for Macbeth and tell him series of predictions. The specific prediction, “All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!” (1.3.51) causes Macbeth’s desire to become more intensified. Their prediction that he would become king brings a change in his character. The audience can now see his desires as well as his ambition. At this point, Macbeth is still hesitant of revealing his true nature, but the audience gets a peek of what he yearns for. In addition, the witches’ predictions are known to be paradoxical, their predictions are never straightforward; they tend to have different interpretations. Macbeth kills King Duncan to obtain the power he was told he’d get. Despite that, the witches never said to kill King Duncan; they told him he would become king. Macbeth’s true character reveals his natural cruelty when Lady Macbeth persuades him to kill Duncan for

How Does Shakespeare Develop An Aspect Of Macbeth's Personality

My summary of Macbeth (character) will consist of the character(s) expressions, and effects intended by the playwright (William Shakespeare) and their individual effects on the audience. This Written Summary is to be attached with my Oral Presentation and presented to the Year10 English Department and students. My aim of this presentation is to summarize Macbeth (character) in detail and context. I have chosen Modern English for my Oral Presentation, as it will be easier to understand for my specific audience group. I chose to present this summary as a form of Video Animation with my voiced narration (voice-over) to express all my ideas, interpretations and opinions of the character in the

Progression In Macbeth's Ambition

Macbeth’s character progression in Macbeth can be analyzed using the core theme of ambition, pride, and power. All three sub-categories require intense determination, reverence, and confidence. When exposed to too much of any of these, an individual often becomes corrupt, arrogant, or malicious. Shakespeare crafts this play strategically, enlisting small but mighty vocabulary, figurative speech, and sentence structure. This allows readers and audience members to understand the significant details within, recognize advancements in character personality, and highlight the core theme throughout the play.

Macbeth Character Traits Essay

This emphasizes that Macbeth fears a lot of things in his future. As a final point, once the king is dead and a new ruler takes place to rule his country he will act like a dictator towards his

What Is Free Will In Macbeth

At this moment in the play Macbeth thinks that the choices he makes will not effect the witches prophecy for him. After making this statement Macbeth thinks about killing the current king Duncan. However, during this time Macbeth is conflicted because he does not think he has a good reason to kill the king. "I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition. Which oer' leaps itself and falls on the other" (1.7.25-28).

Who Is To Blame For Macbeth's Downfall

The witches' predictions just urge this desire to be above all else. The witches who symbolize Macbeth's shrewd desire put his contemplations into real words. The thought of homicide jumps out at him,"My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical," (I, i). Macbeth himself recognizes his "vaulting ambition" that drives him to murder after Duncan

How Does The Supernatural Influence Macbeth

Firstly, the witches’ revelations prompted Macbeth to murder his loyal companions. When the three witches spoke of Macbeth becoming king, it sparked the idea that this could be a realistic goal. On page 13, Act I, scene iii, Third Witch created insight, "All hail, Macbeth, who will soon be King." After sharing

Madness And Irrationality In Macbeth By William Shakespeare

Throughout the Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, the character of Macbeth possesses an essential characteristic of madness and irrationality that embodies the theme and important elements of the literary work. In the play, Macbeth’s character is perceived as so ambitious and desperate to achieve the greatest benefits for himself that his hysteria is manifested in the setting of the play, Scotland, in the characters that surround him such as his wife, Lady Macbeth, and his rival Macduff. In the play, Macbeth's inherent madness can be shown from the very beginning of the play. The character Macbeth enters the story as a captain of the king of Scotland’s,

Does Macbeth Cause His Own Downfall

The witches put it into his mind that he will be king and Lady Macbeth helps him act on the ambition they instilled in him. By allowing his wife to plot the murder of King Duncan, he goes along and murders him in his bed. No matter his loyalties to the king, he allowed the witches and his wife to influence his decision on who to listen to: his wife or his conscience. He follows his wife’s plan, and murders the king, and the

Macbeth A Dynamic Character Essay

Macbeth stars the story as a honorable warrior, and general in the Scottish army. He fights for King Duncan and along side his best friend Banquo (another general). Shakespear shows MacBeth's character beautifully when he writes "Till he unseamed him from the nave to th' chops, And fixed his head upon our battlements" (I.ii.22-23). This quote shows the type of character MacBeth starts out as, it shows MacBeth as a brave warrior fighting for King Duncan. MacBeth's character changes later in the story very drastically.

Essay On Macbeth Is Responsible For Duncan's Murder

Macbeth shows that he is willing to kill King Duncan because he is interested in the witches prophecy, after they tell him that he will become ‘Thane of Cawdor’ and then the King.

Internal And External Forces In Macbeth

Macbeth’s ambition is one of the most prominent things that drive Macbeth in the play and truly becomes evident when he hears of the Witches prophecies. When the witches stop talking, he demands to know more. “Stay you imperfect speakers, tell me more” (I, III, 73-74). This portrays his excessive curiosity on the subject as well as his craving for more desirable prophecies. This ambitious nature and craving for power is also demonstrated only moments after hearing the witches, when he starts formulating a plan to kill Duncan in order to make the third prophecy come true.

Words Are The True Knife In The Murder Analysis

Following the witches speech, thoughts begin to emerge in Macbeth mind about killing King Duncan to become the king. This desire that Macbeth has to become king overloads him and his wife Lady Macbeth. It was amazing to see Macbeth transform from a loyal soldier to a murderer with blood staining his hands. However, Macbeth wasn’t convinced to assassinate King Duncan and the witches knew it. They decided to come again to Macbeth and poison his thought with more falsehood.

Causes Of Macbeth's Downfall

The witches played a colossal role in Macbeth’s downfall and ultimately, his death. Since the first part of the prophecy stated Macbeth as being the new Thane of Cawdor, he believed he could continue to become king as well. In knowing his prediction, Macbeth also realized that since the king was in good health, so he would have to kill the king himself. For the rest of his prophecy to come true he would have to kill the king for himself. “All hail, Macbeth that shalt be king hereafter!”

Macbeth Character Analysis

He also begins to wonder how his reign will end. Will he die of natural causes? Will he die in a war trying to protect his throne? Or will he be killed due to betrayal? These questions along with the prophecy are just the beginnings of Macbeth 's paranoia, and his endless pursuit to get to be

Macbeth's Character Changes

At the beginning of the play Macbeth was a very noble and likeable character. Everyone in Scotland respected Macbeth, even the king had favored him enough to make him thane of cowdor for all his bravery and loyalty to the country. But, once Macbeth started to see the witches and have them give him his prophecies, his character changed dramatically. After he and Banquo had their future told to them and one had come true, Macbeth was willing to do anything to become king as soon as possible.

More about Character Development In Macbeth

Shakespeare's Globe

Macbeth: Characters KS4/5

In these lessons, students will examine the key characters in Macbeth and their dramatic functions. Tasks include: an exploration of the 'tragic hero' archetype; examining three perspectives on how and why Macbeth changes throughout the play, informing their own ideas; and a list of practice exam questions with an emphasis on characterisation. 

In order to benefit fully from these lesson plans, we recommend you use them in the following order:

• Text in Performance

If you would like to teach the play in greater detail, use these advanced KS4/5 Lesson Plans. If students are new to the play, we suggest you start with the introductory  KS3 Lesson Plans . 

These lesson plans are available in the Downloads section at the bottom of this page.   To download resources, you must be logged in.  Sign up   for free  to access this and other exclusive features .  Activities mentioned in these resources are available in a separate downloadable 'Student Booklet', also at the bottom of this page. The 'Teachers' Guide' download explains how best to use Teach Shakespeare and also contains a bibliography and appendices referencing the resources used throughout.

Key Questions for Students:

Can I investigate how Macbeth’s character changes and develops over the course of the play?

Can I use my study skills to track and record these changes?

Key words: character, compare, contrast, development, essay, Macbeth

Prologue: Opening Discussion

Explain to students that over the course of the next few lessons, they will be investigating the character of Macbeth in even greater detail. They will be researching, planning and drafting an essay that focuses on one particular extract, but they will be expected to make links to other parts of the play too, so they will need to consider how he develops and changes in the play as a whole.

Enter the Players: Group Tasks

1) 'Walk of fame, walk of shame'

This is another activity from Fiona Banks Creative Shakespeare . Students locate and write out on to pieces of paper quotations about Macbeth that describe him in a positive or in a negative light. The students arrange themselves in two rows facing each other with a wide space in between and each is given a different positive quotation. The students say their quotations as one student walks down between the rows listening to all the positive remarks. All students take it in turns to do this. Repeat with negative remarks. Afterwards discuss how it felt to hear those comments and why Macbeth changes to the extent that he does.

2) Before and after

Conduct a comparison of Macbeth in Act 1 (Scenes 2, 3 and 4) with Macbeth in Act 5 (Scenes 2, 3 and 5). List all the different ways in which he has changed and rank them. Now hold a class discussion about what have been the greatest changes in Macbeth. Students could write up this discussion in a series of points, including plenty of compare and contrast phrases like ‘whereas’, ‘however’ and ‘on the other hand’. Finally, consider how the change should be shown on stage and look at scenes from the beginning and end of one or more versions to see how this has been achieved.

3) Zooming in and out

One of the biggest challenges with studying a substantial text is being able to ‘zoom in’ on important details in the text without forgetting to ‘zoom out’ and view that detail in context. A range of techniques can be used to support students so that they can:

• make links and draw comparisons
• comment on patterns and motifs
• track characters and themes

These techniques could include: systematic annotation of texts/revision notes, graphic organisers, classroom display, creative use of plot synopses and logs, blogging about the text and ‘tagging’ key characters, themes, motifs, etc. It could be useful to share with students a range of approaches – even if the examples come from work on other texts – to help them develop their study skills in a way that suits their learning style. Students could also demonstrate and record their own methods for investigating a character or theme.

Exeunt: Closing Questions for Students

How and why does Macbeth change over the course of the play?

What kinds of notes should I make to keep track of these changes in my preparation for an essay about Macbeth?

Suggested plenary activity…

In secret, students should pick a moment in the play that is an important turning point for Macbeth. They should write it down and explain why they have chosen it on a piece of paper. Collect the papers and feedback to the class at the beginning of a subsequent session.

Asides: Further Resources

• Two brief extracts from Act 5 of the 2010 Globe production of Macbeth  starring James Garnon can be viewed via these links:

Epilogue: Teacher's Note

This page and the following two pages comprise an active investigation into Macbeth as a tragic hero, culminating in an essay which looks at one extract in detail and places that in the context of the play as a whole.

Can I explain what motivates Macbeth’s decisions in the play?

Can I research different theories to explain Macbeth’s downfall?

Key words: character, criticism, downfall, fatal flaw, hero, Macbeth, protagonist, tragedy, tragic

Prologue: Enter the Players

Display the following snippet from the helpful notes at the back of Globe Education’s Macbeth textbook:

Hero/tragic hero:  Macbeth is first presented as a hero: 1.2; he becomes a tragic hero (because of his actions or what is done to him); e.g. ambition 1.3; 2.2; 3.3; the Witches’ influence 4.1; 4.2 Macbeth realises he has been deceived 5.7.71-end]

Q1) What do you understand by the term ‘tragic hero’? Does this term accurately describe Macbeth in your opinion?

Q2) These notes list some of the factors in Macbeth’s downfall. Do you agree? Are there any factors you would add?

Q3) What makes this an effective example of note-taking?

1) An actor’s view

Students are going to hear/read three perspectives on how and why Macbeth changes in the play. Explain that they are going to read different viewpoints, so that they can see a range of ideas. Explain that if you can see the text from more than one point of view, you can see more than one meaning and this is a good thing!

The first is an extract from a Globe podcast with James Garnon who played Macbeth at the Globe in 2010:

‘It can be understood on many different levels and that’s why these things can be done over and over and over again. So, for example, you know the idea that Macbeth is a villain or is evil – it’s a lot more ambiguous than that…He is not as black and white as people would like to imagine he is…So I think Macbeth is to an extent an everyman…My understanding of medieval morality plays is that often one of the main points of them is that you shouldn’t seek security or safety outside of God. You should trust to God and not seek to make you life comfortable through any other means. The mistake that Macbeth makes having committed the sin is then to try and make himself secure and safe outside of a religious context. He goes to the witches. They’re the only people he goes to for further advice, and all the further crimes that he commits are done in an attempt to shore his position up.’

2) A director’s view

The second perspective is from the director of that production, Bill Buckhurst.

‘I choose it [Act 1 Scene 5] as my pivotal scene for the reason that you say, that his mind changes. It’s fascinating to see that first scene he has with Lady Macbeth. He doesn’t mention doing the deed at all. He just says,

Macb:  Duncan comes here to-night

Lady M:  And when goes hence?

Macb: To-morrow, as he purposes.

Lady M:    O! never

 Shall sun that morrow see!

says Lady Macbeth. And then she says, 'Your face, my Thane, is as a book, where men/May read strange matters'. 

And it’s almost like they speak in code to each other, or at least Lady Macbeth interprets in the way he’s looking the way that he’s feeling. Now we know from the scene before that he’s had a horrible image of doing a terrible thing. After all, how else could he become king?...We know from that first scene with the witches Macbeth has had a thought which he doesn’t want to have. He’s an honourable guy, he’s a good soldier, and he believes in his king. And so to take that big leap of faith, OK right, we’re going to do it…once he’s had that thought and he’s prepared to go along with it, that means that the story can really race ahead. So that’s why I chose that as a pivotal scene.’

3) Some critics’ views

The third viewpoint is taken from a critical essay from the Globe’s website and the fourth from the famous Shakespearean critic A.C. Bradley.

'Because Macbeth was a real Scottish king, Shakespeare could have written a history play. Instead, the playwright changed the history books to make his play more dramatic and exciting. The real Macbeth was a successful, popular king whose reign lasted many years. Shakespeare’s Macbeth, though, meets witches, sees ghosts and convinces himself that he has to murder children to keep his throne. But the most important thing Shakespeare adds is the thought process of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. ‘Stars, hide your fires!’ says Macbeth, ‘Let not light see my black and deep desires’ (1.4.51-2). We in the audience, though, do see those desires. We see him change his mind – ‘We will proceed no further in this business’ – and so does Lady Macbeth, who has to change it back: ‘Art thou afeard | To be the same in thine own act and valour, | As thou art in desire?’ (1.7.31; 39-41). We know the desires which Lady Macbeth is talking about, for we have seen them just as she has. The difference is that we know when they are ‘acted’ upon, tragedy will surely follow.'

The prophecies of the Witches are presented simply as dangerous circumstances with which Macbeth has to deal….[N]o innocent man would have started, as he did, with a start of fear at the mere prophecy of a crown, or have conceived thereupon immediately the thought of murder…In either case not only was he free to accept or resist the temptation, but the temptation was already within him… For all that appears, the natural death of an old man might have fulfilled the prophecy any day. In any case, the idea of fulfilling it by murder was entirely his own.

For each of the three viewpoints, students should ask about how it helps them to think about how and why Macbeth changes in the play. What motivates him? To what extent is he himself flawed? What other factors play a part in his downfall or is he solely to blame?

What motivates Macbeth at different points in the play?

What are the reasons for his downfall?

To what extent does Shakespeare give Macbeth a fatal flaw?

The Globe actress Yolanda Vasquez shares a list of questions she asks when she is rehearsing a play. Students could answer these questions about Macbeth at the beginning of Act 1 and repeat this for Macbeth at a later point in the play that they can choose. They should write in modern English in the first person.

1) Who am I?  What kind of person is this character? What is the character’s background, influences, education, experiences, likes and dislikes, relationships? What are their inner and outer characteristics? 2) Where am I?  What kind of place is the character in? Is it familiar or unfamiliar? What does it mean to the character, if anything? How does the character feel about their surroundings? 3) When is it?  What is the time of year, day, or season? Why is the scene set at that moment? What’s happened before? Where is the character going to afterwards?  4) What do I want?  This is the character’s primary need, their desire. Actors often refer to this as a character’s ‘objective’. 5) Why do I want it? The character must have a good reason for wanting it. It justifies their objective. 6) How will I get it? What does the character need to do to accomplish his/her objective? (E.g. beg, plead, tease, threaten, etc.) What tactics does s/he use? These can be both verbal and physical? 7) What must I overcome? This is the resistance. It’s what’s stopping the character from obtaining his/her objective. This might be an inner obstacle (coming from the character’s own characteristics or physical or mental state of being) or an outer obstacle (coming from the character’s situation or relationship). This might also be affected by the objectives of other characters.”

Aside: Further Resource

• The full essay about tragedy can be found here: 2011.playingshakespeare.org/themes-and-issues/tragedy .

This is the second of three consecutive lesson plans that together form an active investigation into Macbeth as a tragic hero culminating in an essay which looks at one extract in detail and places that in the context of the play as a whole.

Can I describe what I understand by the terms ‘tragedy’ and  ‘tragic hero’?

Can I apply these terms to help me gain a deeper understanding of the plot of Macbeth and of Shakespeare’s characterisation of Macbeth?

Key words: characterisation, Macbeth, plot, structure, tragedy, tragic hero

Prologue: Opening Discussion

In the previous learning sequence, the term ‘tragic hero’ was used. Ask students to return to their notes about this from yesterday’s lesson. What is their understanding of the ‘tragic hero’ and ‘tragedy’? Create a brainstorm of ideas on the board.  

1) Shakespeare’s tragedies

Divide the class into four groups. Assign one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies other than Macbeth  to each group (e.g.  Romeo and Juliet , King Lear , Hamlet  and Othello ). Students should fill in a grid to establish first of all what they already know about that play, to work out some questions to guide their research, and then to carry out that research recording their answers. Students could have access to a prepared book box or to online materials, or they could visit the library to carry out this task.

Take feedback from each group. This should include a summary of the play for the rest of the class, e.g. in a series of tableaux images. Discuss what the storylines of these plays and their central heroes have in common.

2) The Tragedy of Macbeth

Does Macbeth fit or break the mould of the ‘tragic hero’? Why isn’t Macbeth classed as a history play? How do you think Shakespeare intended to affect his audience with the story of Macbeth’s rise to power and downfall?

Students could discuss in small groups: ‘What makes Macbeth a tragedy?’

Within their discussions, they should consider:

• the play’s plot and structure
• Shakespeare’s characterisation of Macbeth

Students should draw on their textual knowledge and their research into the genre of tragedy in order to answer this question as fully as possible. Students could distil their ideas into their three best and most compelling points and feedback to the class.

3) Essay task in exam conditions

This writing task is designed to be undertaken in exam conditions. Before they begin, students should be encouraged to:

• identify the key words in the question
• think of suitable examples and find evidence from the passage and from the play as a whole
• write a plan of their ideas and how they will structure their answer

Exam style question: 

Read the section of Act 3 Scene 1 that begins with Macbeth saying ‘To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus:’ (line 47) and ends with ‘Who’s there?’ (line 71).  How does Shakespeare present Macbeth as a tragic figure in this passage, and in the play as a whole?

What do I understand by ‘tragedy’ and ‘tragic hero’?

What makes Macbeth a tragedy?

How does Macbeth compare with Shakespeare’s other famous tragic heroes?

It is likely that class time will be used for writing in timed conditions. but all students could be reminded in the last few minutes to review the success criteria and to proofread their work carefully. 

• Suitable books for the ‘Shakespeare’s tragedies’ activity could include The Shakespeare Book published by Dorling Kindersley, Andrew Dickson’s The Rough Guide to Shakespeare and Leon Garfield’s Shakespeare Stories . 
• Students could also, perhaps as an extension activity, revise tragedy in a wider sense. For example, comparing Aristotle’s ideas about tragedy as expressed in his Poetics with Shakespeare’s great tragedies, or comparing the downfall of Macbeth with the downfall of Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman .

This is the third of three pages that investigate Macbeth as a tragic hero, culminating in an essay that looks at one extract in detail and places that in the context of the play as a whole. Further questions about character and motivation, along with quizzes and revision tips, can be found on the next page.

Can I make useful notes about characters from the text for revision purposes?

Can I check that my notes contain textual evidence and references that I can cite in my essays?

Key words: characters, cite, development, evidence, notes, revision, textual evidence

Ask students to write on a sticky note some things that make notes useful and build a spider diagram using the sticky notes on the board. Points might include: legibility; organisation; detail; coverage; fit for purpose (awareness assessment criteria etc.); memorable; matched to individual learning style (e.g. use of colour-coding, graphic organisers or voice recordings of notes).

1) Character passport

You should model making notes about a character on a large flip chart size piece of paper, creating a passport-style poster with the following features:

• name of character
• headshot of actor who played that part on page
• any textual information about that character’s age/appearance/birthplace/dwelling
• bullet points about that character’s title/role/relationship to other characters
• adjectives to describe that character
• “passport stamps” – key moments in that character’s ‘journey’ through the text

2) Revision Diaries

Students should record this character passport in the Student Booklet. This can be repeated for other characters on additional copies of the passport sheet and inserted into the Student Booklet.

3) Task bank: character and motivation

The following tasks can be used in the modelling of planning and drafting written tasks, as well as for students’ more independently produced work for assessment:

• Write a comparative character study about the qualities and flaws of the play’s three kings: Duncan, Macbeth and Malcolm.
• How does Lady Macbeth’s character change throughout the play and how does Shakespeare show this?
• What is the dramatic function in Macbeth of the character of Macduff?

What makes revision notes useful and memorable?

What do I know about my own preferred learning style that can help me revise as efficiently as possible?

 Suggested plenary activity…

Share and compare pieces of evidence that students have selected to support key points. Ask follow-up questions to support students in their language analysis skills.

• For a particularly collaborative approach to revision, students could work in groups on a particular character and photocopies could be made of their finished poster for distribution to the whole class.
• Ensure students know how to record the part of the play from which each quotation comes (i.e. act, scene and line references), and the importance of keeping quotations short (especially if students are preparing for an exam on the text).

For more detailed guidance on planning, drafting and language analysis, see Language  and the linked materials in the Student Booklet.

Want to download these resources and more? Log in or sign up to Teach Shakespeare.

Log in or sign up to add your own notes.

Macbeth Character Development Essay

Character Development of Macbeth We come to understand in the book “Macbeth” that “Fair is foul, foul is fair.” This uprooted idea plays a major role in this book. It is understood that what may seem appeasing to the eye can hide the monstrous realities. In William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” the main character Macbeth is devoured by greed and power. His ambition will end up leading him to his own demise. His corrupted power will strike him to murder those who he never imagined. Driven ambition can lead to destruction because without Macbeth’s fierce determination it wouldn’t have led him to murder and his ultimate defeat. One reason why this theme applies to the plot of Act one is that Macbeth’s malicious thoughts cause him to commit a treacherous deed. After Macbeth and Banquo are told their fates by the Three Witches in Act one, Macbeths aside reveals his driven ambition, “Present fears are less then horrible imaginings. My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, shakes so my single state of man that function is smothered in surmise, and nothing is but what is not” (iii, 150-156). Macbeth is giving voice to how he might come to be king, through a terrible accident or a dark deed. Just giving thought to this fantasy impacts his state of mind, …show more content…

After Macbeth has seen the haunting dagger at the beginning of Act two, Macbeth awaits the que to ring King Duncan ’s death bell. Macbeth exclaims, “I go, and it is done. The bell invites me. Hear it not, Duncan, for it is a knell that summons thee to heaven or to hell” (i.75-77). Macbeth descends onto slumbered Duncan as the grim reaper. Macbeth has now committed to his unconventional thoughts. This is relevant to the theme because Macbeth has just proven that his driven ambition has taken control and later on this main event will have caused his own

Essay on Macbeth

     In Shakespeare’s classic tragedy of Macbeth the main character Macbeth is driven from his status as a well respected warrior and lord of not one, but two Scottish regions to a dishonest, unloyal murderer. Macbeth gets caught in a web of lies and vile acts of murder in which he brings about his own demise. His criminal actions lead up to his tragic ending of life. ‘ They have tied me to a stake; I cannot fly, But bearlike I must fight the course.’ His great ambition and gullibility of the witches predictions are two of the biggest factors of his downfall;however, Lady Macbeth was probably the biggest influence in the whole tragedy.

Macbeth Character Analysis Essay

Throughout the course of Shakespeare’s Scottish tragedy, “Macbeth”, the eponymous hero develops from a highly respected warrior and loyal thane; to a “dead butcher”, executed for his crimes against Scotland, and condemned by all. By making the fatal error of disregarding his conscience and committing regicide in order to gain the crown of Scotland, he seals his own eternal fate and that of Scotland, making her the “grave” of her people.

Desire For Power In Macbeth

With attention to the murder of King Duncan, Macbeth struggles with the morality of his actions. Before the murder takes place, Macbeth begins to believe that the murder will “be the be-all and the end-all” to his clear conscious and would risk him to eternal damnation (Act I, line 5). Yet, the murder would bring him power over Scotland and he “shalt be kind” as told by the Weird Sisters(Act 1, line 50). Macbeth goes off of his ambition to murder King Duncan. The internal struggle of choosing mortality over motives brought forth an intense shift of loyalty to betrayal. The murder caused for Macbeth to turn on Scotland and only care for his own selfish motives. The betrayal causes for the play to become horrific and have a double meaning. Macbeth must put on a face to hide his murder to become the king. The double meaning is how Macbeth looks like a hero to all of Scotland, but only the people on the inside know of his horrific actions. He had to murder to to get the position of King, but the

Self Doubt In Macbeth

The tragedy Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare, follows the rise and fall of a loyal Scottish warrior. Macbeth is portrayed as a man of multiple sides, presenting three main traits – bravery, ambition, and self-doubt – throughout the play. The character is an example of how ambition and guilt can have terrible effects on an individual lacking in strength of character. Although some people may perceive Macbeth as malicious, his weak character shows that he is incapable of conquering guilt and self-doubt. The prime themes of the play are: ambition, loyalty and betrayal, good and evil, appearance versus reality, supernatural and fate. Shakespeare presents these themes through the actions of Macbeth and their results: the corrupting effects

Essay On Macbeth

"Macbeth" is a tragic play that was written by William Shakespeare in the early 1600’s. It revolved around the character Macbeth and his urge to become king of Scotland. Macbeth had to do anything possible to become the king including murder, lying, and deception. However, Macbeth committed these evil deeds due to some influential people in his life. Between Macbeth’s wife persuading him to do anything to become king and the witches prophesying over him causes Macbeth to try and bury the past and control the future.

Macbeth: Character Analysis Of Macbeth Essay

of King Duncan's army. His personal powers and strength as a general won him the

Essay on Macbeth’s Deteriorating Mental State

• 1 Works Cited

William Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a tragedy in which the main characters are obsessed by the desire for power. Macbeth’s aspiration for power blinds him to the ethical implications of his dreadful acts. The more that Shakespeare’s Macbeth represses his murderous feelings, the more he is haunted by them. By analyzing his hallucinations it is possible to trace his deteriorating mental state and the trajectory of his ultimate fall. Throughout the play Macbeth is never satisfied with himself. He feels the need to keep committing crime in order to keep what he wants most: his kingship. The harder Macbeth tries to change his fate the more he tends to run into his fate. His ambition and struggle for power was Macbeth’s tragic flaw in the play.

Macbeth Character Essay

An important character in ‘Macbeth’ by William Shakespeare was Macbeth. Macbeth is shown as the protagonist of the play and is the person who drives the plot of the drama. Macbeth changes dramatically throughout the play as in the start he is portrayed as the tragic hero who would do anything for his King and country. As the plays continue he becomes ambitious and, encouraged by a prophecy. After that, he ends up killing a lot of people/becoming a tyrant.

Character Analysis of Macbeth Essay

“Macbeth” a tragedy written by William Shakespeare, portrays, how the main character Macbeth, transforms from a war hero, to a murdering villain. Macbeth starts out as the thane of Glamis and steadily rises to become King of Scotland. The higher Macbeth rose on his road of power the more corrupt and evil he became. The character change of Macbeth ignites the whole theme of the play.

Essay on Lady Macbeth Character Analysis

     Lady Macbeth progresses throughout the play from a seemingly savage and heartless creature to a very delicate and fragile woman. In the beginning of the play, she is very ambitious and hungry for power. She pushes Macbeth to kill Duncan in order to fulfill the witches’ prophecy. In Act I, Scene 6, she asks the gods to make her emotionally strong like a man in order to help her husband go through with the murder plot. She says, “Come, you spirits That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, And fill me, from the crown to the toe, top-full Of direst cruelty!” Also, she does everything in her power to convince Macbeth that he would be wrong not to kill Duncan. In Act I,

Examples Of Internal Conflict In Macbeth

“My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, shakes so my single state of man,” this alliteration is used by Macbeth as he considers killing King Duncan, and it lets the audience know of Macbeth’s fear towards the murder. Macbeth questions his sense of self and loyalty while making his decision. Lady Macbeth does not agree with Macbeth’s refusal to kill King Duncan and influences his choice by questioning his manhood with the use of a rhetorical question, “Art thou afead to be the same in thine own act and valour as thou art in desire?” This gives the audience knowledge of Lady Macbeth’s attitude towards the murder and gets the audience thinking about why Macbeth chose not to kill the King. Once hearing this question from Lady Macbeth, Macbeth rethinks his decision and ambition finally drives Macbeth into killing King Duncan. The metaphor, “to prick the sides of my intent but only vaulting ambition which o’erleaps itself and falls on the other,” shows that Macbeth is driven by ambition and that he makes his decisions to benefit his power. The inner conflict experienced by Macbeth when making the decision to kill King Duncan changed his sense of self and his loyalty towards King

The Character Flaws of Macbeth Essay

• 3 Works Cited

    Since The Tragedy of Macbeth was written there has been speculation about the cause of Macbeth's downfall.  Readers ponder whether Macbeth's fall was caused by a flaw in his character, Lady Macbeth, or an outside force of evil.  Although the witches set a certain mood and Lady Macbeth exerts a certain influence on him, Macbeth's downfall is caused by his own character.

Macbeth Killing Duncan

He feels as if he has flown askew from accustomed principles and morals. In his collection of numerous logical writings on Macbeth, literary scholar Harold Bloom analyzes how Macbeth continues to influence readers with a sustainable theme; he presents the concept of, “[his] imagination invents the murder of Duncan. The heinousness of the act is owing in part to its being unprovoked and unprecedented” (Bloom 12). He is able to envision the horrific event before it takes place and grasp his fears.

Character Development In Macbeth By William Shakespeare

There are many constants among great tragedies, internal/external conflict, plot development, a problem, but one of the most important aspects to a tragedy is the development of the main character, typically from better to worse. For a story to develop and become more interesting as it goes, the character’s personalities must evolve and develop simultaneously. Without this crucial aspect, readers could not become attached or interested in characters and the issues they face, since they would never change. Just as in life, the development in personality is vital to keeping the relationship between reader and character interesting. In William Shakespeare’s

Essay Macbeth Character Analysis

     In the tragedy Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare, many character traits are portrayed through the various characters throughout the play. Macbeth was one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies. It was completed in 1606 and was most likely first performed before King James I and his royal family at Hampton Court. King James I is believed to be a direct descendent of the character Banquo. Probably the most potent character trait expressed in Macbeth would be integrity or the lack there of. Integrity could be defined as doing the right thing at all costs no matter what the consequences or what would be in the persons best interest. In this play the person that displays the most

Related Topics

• English-language films
• Macbeth of Scotland
• Duncan I of Scotland
• King Duncan

Lady Macbeth: Shakespeare’s Enigmatic Powerhouse

This essay offers an in-depth exploration of one of Shakespeare’s most complex characters, Lady Macbeth, from the play ‘Macbeth.’ It begins by highlighting her unique position in Elizabethan literature as a character who defies traditional gender norms with her overwhelming ambition and strength. The essay delves into her famous “unsex me here” soliloquy, which sets the stage for her role as a driving force in Macbeth’s rise to power, showcasing her willingness to abandon morality for ambition.

As the narrative progresses, the essay examines the transformation of Lady Macbeth from a figure of control to one tormented by guilt, particularly evident in her sleepwalking scene. This shift underscores Shakespeare’s skill in creating psychologically complex characters. Additionally, the essay discusses the evolving dynamics between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth, emphasizing the psychological toll of their actions.

Concluding with reflections on her enduring legacy in modern interpretations, the essay positions Lady Macbeth as a timeless figure in Shakespeare’s canon, continuously fascinating audiences with her depth and complexity. This exploration not only sheds light on her character but also on broader themes of gender, power, and morality in literature. Additionally, PapersOwl presents more free essays samples linked to Lady Macbeth.

How it works

When diving into the works of Shakespeare, few characters captivate and intrigue as thoroughly as Lady Macbeth from the Scottish play, ‘Macbeth.’ Often regarded as one of the Bard’s most complex and enigmatic figures, Lady Macbeth’s character has been the subject of extensive analysis and debate. She defies the conventional expectations of women in Elizabethan literature, simultaneously embodying strength, ambition, and a deep-seated vulnerability.

At her introduction, Lady Macbeth is presented as the driving force behind her husband’s ascent to the throne.

Her ambition is palpable, so strong that it appears to eclipse Macbeth’s own. This fierce determination is most vividly captured in her chilling “unsex me here” soliloquy. Here, she calls upon dark forces to strip her of feminine weakness and fill her with cruelty, underscoring her willingness to abandon gender norms and morality for power. This scene sets the tone for her character – a woman who defies the patriarchal expectations of her time, wielding influence over her husband and the events that unfold.

However, Lady Macbeth’s strength and resolve are not one-dimensional. As the plot progresses, her initial ruthlessness unravels, revealing a profound psychological complexity. The guilt from her actions manifests in the famous sleepwalking scene, where she desperately tries to wash the imagined bloodstains from her hands. This shift from a figure of immense control to one haunted by the consequences of her actions offers a window into the psychological realism Shakespeare infuses in his characters. It’s a portrayal that humanizes Lady Macbeth, portraying her not just as a figure of ambition and power, but also as a person grappling with guilt and moral disintegration.

The dynamics of her relationship with Macbeth also serve as a critical aspect of her character. Initially, she appears to be the dominant force, goading Macbeth into committing regicide. However, as the play progresses, their relationship undergoes a dramatic inversion. Macbeth descends into tyranny and paranoia, while Lady Macbeth becomes increasingly isolated and tormented by guilt. This transition highlights the psychological and emotional toll of their actions, serving as a poignant commentary on the corrupting influence of unchecked ambition and power.

In modern interpretations, Lady Macbeth has been portrayed in various lights – from a manipulative femme fatale to a tragic heroine crushed by the weight of her own ambitions. Her character continues to be a subject of fascination in theatrical productions and academic discussions. She stands as a testament to Shakespeare’s ability to create multifaceted characters that resonate across centuries.

In conclusion, Lady Macbeth remains one of Shakespeare’s most compelling and debated characters. Her journey from a powerful, ambitious figure to a broken shell of guilt offers a rich study in character development and psychological complexity. Her role in ‘Macbeth’ challenges and expands the portrayal of women in literature, highlighting issues of gender, power, and morality. As audiences and readers continue to revisit and reinterpret her character, Lady Macbeth endures as a timeless figure in Shakespeare’s canon, captivating and intriguing with each portrayal.

Cite this page

Lady Macbeth: Shakespeare's Enigmatic Powerhouse. (2024, Jan 16). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/lady-macbeth-shakespeares-enigmatic-powerhouse/

"Lady Macbeth: Shakespeare's Enigmatic Powerhouse." PapersOwl.com , 16 Jan 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/lady-macbeth-shakespeares-enigmatic-powerhouse/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Lady Macbeth: Shakespeare's Enigmatic Powerhouse . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/lady-macbeth-shakespeares-enigmatic-powerhouse/ [Accessed: 15 Apr. 2024]

"Lady Macbeth: Shakespeare's Enigmatic Powerhouse." PapersOwl.com, Jan 16, 2024. Accessed April 15, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/lady-macbeth-shakespeares-enigmatic-powerhouse/

"Lady Macbeth: Shakespeare's Enigmatic Powerhouse," PapersOwl.com , 16-Jan-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/lady-macbeth-shakespeares-enigmatic-powerhouse/. [Accessed: 15-Apr-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Lady Macbeth: Shakespeare's Enigmatic Powerhouse . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/lady-macbeth-shakespeares-enigmatic-powerhouse/ [Accessed: 15-Apr-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

• Free Essays
• Citation Generator

Macbeth Character Development Essay

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

How are characters presented as disturbed in macbeth, laboratory and my last duchess.

Macbeth in the beginning of the play is a noble, humble and honourable person who, without question would sacrifice his life for the liberty of his King, Duncan. As the play progresses he attitude towards life in general changes completely, mainly due to the pressure that Lady Macbeth inflicts on him. However, Lady Macbeth has quite a surprising personality as she is not the stereotypical Elizabethan woman. Lady Macbeth is expected to be fragile, meek, innocent and comforting but in this unusual circumstance Lady Macbeth would very much rather “dashed the brains out” of an infant child. This is plain evidence to suggest that Lady Macbeth is of no stable condition. In addition to this surprising fact Lady Macbeth is cunning and bloodthirsty. She demands Macbeth in Act one, Scene Five to “look like th’innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t”. It is very common for a man to demand a female to pursue tasks but for a woman to demand a man, especially of something like sacrilege, is very unusual. This could mean two things, Macbeth is weak and is unable to depict his own decisions or/and that Macbeth is mentally deteriorating. Macbeth reason with Lady Macbeths orders in his soliloquy in Act one, Scene seven and from the things he…

1.06 Macbeth Character Development

Use this graphic organizer to collect your thoughts about characterization in Macbeth. As you read each scene record what you learn about the character. Add the line from the play that supports your idea.…

Macbeth Reocide Essay

Malcolm and Donalbain talk about leaving Scotland and seem to be suspecting that someone else is guilty of the king's murder.…

Use this graphic organizer to collect your thoughts about characterization in Macbeth. As you read each scene, record what you learn about the character. Add the line from the play that supports your idea.…

Macvebeth - Macbeth Explores the Corrupting Influence of Unchecked Ambiton Essay Example

Macbeth is introduced as a humble and honest leader, however as the play continues his blinded ambition leads him down a dark path in which he loses all moral senses. Initially Macbeth is said to be “Brave”, “Noble” and a “Worthy Gentlemen” who is willing to puts his life on the line to protect his kingdom “Thawdor”. This all begins to change after Macbeth hears his prophecy and suddenly his ambition to become king alights. Macbeth is influenced so heavily by his ambition that he loses his original “Nobel” and “Honest” traits and begins plotting the murder of Duncan, “O, never shall sun that morrow see!”. This shows the first stage of the corrupting influence of unchecked ambition taking over Macbeth. Macbeth carries out the murder of Duncan and then soon after begins plotting the murder of his close friend Banqou. This reveals that the influence of Macbeth’s uncontrolled ambition has now completely taken him over. The influence of ambition on Macbeth to stay as king completely wipes his mind of all his morals and all things that were once important to him, Lady Macbeth is portrayed near the begging of the play to mean everything to Macbeth and Macbeth tried to do what he could to please her. However, when Lady Macbeth dies later in the play Macbeth’s only words are “she should of died here after” as he is annoyed at the fact she died at an inconvenient time. This illustrates how the unchecked ambition that has a corrupting influence upon Macbeth turns him against his once noble and honest path.…

Macbeth Character Analysis Essay

Over the course of the play Macbeth the main character, Macbeth, advances the plot by believing the prophecies given by the witches’, trying to kill the king, attempting to kill people who could be king, wanting more prophecies, and struggling to stay king of Scotland.…

Lady Macbeth Character Analysis Essay

“Of all Shakespeare's female characters Lady Macbeth stands out far beyond the rest — remarkable for her ambition, strength of will, cruelty, and dissimulation” (Traits of Lady). Lady Macbeth is usually viewed as an interesting character because of her notable traits. Her cruelty, cunning, and manipulation certainly contribute to one’s fascination with her. However, equally intriguing are Lady Macbeth’s notorious views she possesses. The unyielding views Lady Macbeth holds on manhood, womanhood, and guilt greatly affect her life.…

Gender Roles In Macbeth

Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a fictional play about the famed general Macbeth and how his ambition ultimately leads to his downfall. In the beginning of the story, Macbeth is seen as a great hero after assisting the…

Essay On Shakespeare's Influence On Macbeth

In Macbeth, the sequence of events is quite different than you might expect. Macbeth (the protagonist), begins as a man who wants to end the rule of the evil King Duncan by slaying him. At first, we see him that as a headstrong, brave and intense hero and we begin to root for him. That is until Macbeth kills Duncan in way that demonstrates his lust for power. This further proves Shakespeare’s desire to explain heroism as a potentially destructive journey rather than a challenge ridden path with a happily-ever-after ending like many of today’s predictable stories of…

How Is Lady Macbeth Insane

She immediately reveals her ambition and desire for power; she is concerned that on his own, Macbeth will not have the courage to kill Duncan and become king. Lady Macbeth is unstable, controlling, and cruel. She manipulates her husband into committing several murders by playing on his sense of masculinity, she mocks him, saying that he is "too full o' the' milk of human kindness" to kill anyone. Lady Macbeth shows a chilling lack of remorse regarding her involvement in the deaths, going so far as to claim that given the chance, she would emotionlessly dash out the brains of a nursing…

Macbeth's Character Analysis

There are many factors that can drive a person to commit a heinous crime, jealousy and fear being the two biggest factors that apply. Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Macbeth depicts a murderous villain whose body count is on the rise due to Macbeth’s dissatisfaction with his place in life. Banquo’s murder reeks of jealousy and of Macbeth’s quest to secure the crown for himself. The witches instill doubts into Macbeth’s mind luring him into killing his best friend just because he felt threatened by his best friend’s kingly qualities. With the killing of Banquo, Macbeth loses all his conscience and becomes an assassin that turns killing into a game. Macbeth’s killing spree can only stop once he has been vanquished. Macbeth will never be able to…

Macbeth practice essay

In the play Macbeth written by William Shakespeare, being a tragic hero or villain is a debatable dilemma of Macbeth's character. Some people think Macbeth is a tragic-hero because he is forced to commit his crimes by the spell of the three witches and the pressure from his wife. But other people think that Macbeth may be a villain due to his bloody deeds and over-ambition.…

Macbeth Character Analysis

In many great pieces of literature, secondary characters play important roles in developing the main character and the story’s themes. In William Shakespeare's famous play Macbeth, the author uses many different secondary characters to develop Macbeth’s and the play’s themes. This will be shown through the analysis of three secondary characters: Duncan, Macduff and the Weird Sisters.…

Macbeth Essay

ESSAY TOPIC: By the end of the play, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are described as “a dead butch and his fiend like queen” Is this a fair appraisal of the characters?…

Hurt people hurt people. This is what induces a cycle of revenge and somehow our species rejoices at the thought of “a tit for a tat”; finds happiness it even. Incidentally, Shakespeare’s play Macbeth focuses on characters thirst for vengeance. Some today may say its justice, but justice has a way of being twisted and induces to fit the needs of the moment and therefore better suit the definition of revenge. People have an innate need to seek revenge.…

Related Topics

• Duncan I of Scotland
• Three Witches
• Macbeth of Scotland
• King Duncan
• Malcolm III of Scotland

Bennie Hawra

Customer Reviews

Specifically, buying papers from us you can get 5%, 10%, or 15% discount.