The Behaivor of Male Characters in Macbeth

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Recommended: Analysis of the novel Macbeth by William Shakespeare

In Shakespeare’s tragedy, Macbeth, the male characters, Macbeth, Macduff, and Banquo, each revealed their similar and differential behaviors toward each other in the duration of the play. Macbeth’s lust for power, Macduff’s willingness and determination, and Banquo’s honesty and motivation were all key factors for this. This play opens up in Scotland where the King of Scotland, Duncan, receives news about Macbeth’s bravery in defeating MacDonawald. At the same time, the Thane of Cawdor is arrested, so, Duncan decides to give this title to Macbeth. Macbeth, and his friend, Banquo are walking back home from the battle when three mysterious witches come upon on them and give each of them prophecies. They said that Macbeth shall be the Thane of Glamis and Cawdor and he will be King. They tell Banquo that his sons shall be King. Then, two noblemen, Ross and Angus come to tell Macbeth that he has been given the title of the Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth, from this point on tries to twist and turn his fate to fulfill these prophecies, and very soon his lust for power turns him against all of his family and friends.

Macbeth, the protagonist of the story, was sort of similar, yet very different than the other male characters in Macbeth. Macbeth, unlike Macduff and Banquo, transitioned his attitude and emotions throughout the play. In the beginning, Macbeth was a kind and cautious person, not seeking for anything, and not having any desire for power. This was hinted when Macbeth had second thoughts of murdering Duncan. Macbeth: “We will proceed no further in this business. He hath honored me of late, and I have bought golden opinions from all sorts of people, which would be worn now in their newest gloss, not cast aside so soon” (Act I, sc. 7...

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... was true to his honesty and his motivation as a Scottish General. In Act III, Banquo hints to Macbeth in honesty that he knows that he killed Duncan to become king. Banquo: “…and I fear thou playd’st most foully for ‘t” (Act III, sc. 1, lines 2-3).

In Shakespeare’s tragedy, Macbeth, Macbeth’s lust for power, Macduff’s willingness and determination, and Banquo’s honesty and motivation all revealed their similar and different qualities toward each other. Macbeth, throughout the play transitioned his attitude, from being a caring and caution person, to a person with no emotions at all. Macduff started to mature in nobility and virtue, showing his great determination as a nobleman, and willingness for respect. Banquo, stayed true to himself, and left those ambitious thoughts about the prophecy aside. This play sends an important message; you cannot change your fate.

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