Character guide for Macbeth by Shakespeare.
A brave and respected Scottish general who is destroyed by ambition. He is not naturally evil — he hesitates, feels guilt and experiences hallucinations. It is his tragic flaw (overweening ambition, shaped by his wife and the witches) that destroys him.
One of Shakespeare's most complex female characters. She calls on dark spirits to 'unsex' her and drives Macbeth to murder Duncan. Initially stronger than her husband, she ultimately cannot cope with the guilt and descends into madness.
The Weird Sisters set the plot in motion with their prophecies. Shakespeare leaves deliberately ambiguous whether they are causing events or merely predicting them. They represent fate, the supernatural and the dark side of human nature.
Macbeth's loyal friend who hears the same prophecy but does not act on it. He contrasts with Macbeth — morally stronger, despite equivalent temptation.
The righteous thane who opposes Macbeth and ultimately kills him. He is the play's moral counterweight to Macbeth.