Macbeth Characters

Duncan The king of Scotland who Macbeth murders in order to become king himself.
Malcolm One of Duncan’s sons who is thought to have murdered Duncan, flees to England – also named the “Prince of Cumberland” by his father.
Donalbain One of Duncan’s sons who is thought to have murdered Duncan, flees to Ireland.
Macbeth The protagonist and tragic hero. He receives a prophecy from the witches that tells him he will be Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and king.
The 3 Weird Sisters The witches who choose to toy with Macbeth’s fate: they give Macbeth the prophecy and are responsible for most of the dramatic irony in play.
Hecate Overseer of the witches and goddess of the moon. She tells the witches to give Macbeth false security and scorns them for intervening in his affairs.
Seyton An officer who attends to Macbeth.
Lady Macbeth Macbeth’s wife who is the true mastermind behind Duncan’s murder. She accuses him of not being a man.
Fleance Banquo’s son. (King James believed Banquo was his ancestor.)
Banquo Macbeth’s close friend (also a Scottish nobleman) who also receives a prophecy from the witches. Macbeth murders him and his ghost returns to haunt Macbeth later.
Three Murderers These characters were hired by by Macbeth to kill Fleance and Banquo.
Macduff Thane of Fife who finds Macbeth suspicious. He eventually slays Macbeth after Macbeth has his family murdered.
Angus, Menteith, Caithness Scottish nobles who are titled and landed because of their noble blood. They fight against Macbeth after he murders the king.
Siward Earl of Northumberland, General of the English forces – he led the English army against Macbeth.
Young Siward Siward’s son who is slain by Macbeth
Macdonwald The first Thane of Cawdor and a traitor to King Duncan. Macbeth unseams him from the nave to the chops.
Thane All nobleman of Scotland were called by this title.
Lady Macduff The “Thane of Fife’s” wife.
Macduff’s Son This character is murdered in his own home by men hired by Macbeth.
Lennox, Ross Scottish nobles who are titled and landed because of their noble blood. They fight with Macbeth after the murder of the king. (Ross is often used as a “turncoat” in most versions of the play.)
August 7, 2019