Macbeth Characters Analysis

Questions and Answers

What does Macbeth express to King Duncan in his quote about loyalty?

Macbeth honors and serves only King Duncan and his family.

How does Macbeth describe his feelings upon seeing Banquo's ghost?

He would rather Banquo take the form of an angry bear, a fierce tiger, or a rhinoceros than the form of his best friend.

What is Lady Macbeth's concern about Macbeth's nature?

She believes he is too full of the milk of human kindness and lacks the wickedness to achieve greatness.

What does Lady Macbeth compare her promise to do something with?

She likens it to being willing to dash out her child's brains if she had sworn to do so. Signup and view all the answers

What does King Duncan command concerning the Thane of Cawdor?

Duncan commands that the Thane of Cawdor be pronounced dead and that Macbeth greet him with the title. Signup and view all the answers

What announcement does King Duncan make regarding his son Malcolm?

Duncan names Malcolm as the Prince of Cumberland and next in line for the throne. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Macbeth

A loyal subject to King Duncan, believes duty brings its own rewards: "Your highness' part / Is to receive our duties" (1.4.22-27).
Despite hearing the witches' prophecy, he professes his commitment to the throne.

Lady Macbeth

Questions Macbeth's resolve: fears he lacks the ruthlessness to achieve his ambition, thinks he is "too full o' th' milk of human kindness" (1.5.15-19).
Demonstrates extreme determination; would sacrifice her own child to fulfill a promise: "I would... have dashed the brains out" (1.7.54-59).

Banquo

Served alongside Macbeth but perceived as a threat due to the witches' prophecy about his descendants.

King Duncan

Declares the execution of the Thane of Cawdor for treachery: "Go pronounce his present death" (1.2.63-66).
Names his son Malcolm as heir, indicating the line of succession: "whom we name hereafter / The Prince of Cumberland" (1.4.37-42).

Macduff

A nobleman whose character may be pivotal in opposing Macbeth’s tyranny.

Malcolm

King Duncan's son, designated as the next heir to the throne, represents legitimacy and morality in contrast to Macbeth.

3 Witches

Their prophecies set the events of the play in motion, influencing Macbeth and Banquo's destinies.

Description

Explore the critical characters of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' in this quiz. Delve into the motivations and conflicts of Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Banquo, King Duncan, and Macduff. Understand how their ambitions and choices shape the tragic narrative.