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Unit 7: Macbeth: Characterization and Superstition

characters with Macbeth midway through the play. Although most famous for her cruelty and lines Notes
such as “unsex me here,” the decline of Lady Macbeth is also of great interest and certainly a
mysterious aspect of Macbeth.

Illucidate that Lady Macbeth has bloodthirsty lust for power and wealth while
Macbeth lacks in decisiveness.

Seyton, Macbeth’s Servant
Macbeth’s servant

Banquo, Thane of Lochaber

A general in Duncan’s army along with Macbeth, Banquo is also the subject of one of the witches’
prophesies. Unlike Macbeth, however, Banquo does not act to fulfill these prophesies. He instead
relies on his better judgement and morals. And true to the witches’ words, his son Fleance escapes
Macbeth’s murderers to become a future king. Banquo is also important in that his ghost returns to
haunt Macbeth, thus instilling a strong sense of uneasiness among Macbeth’s servants.

Fleance, Banquo’s Son
Fleance is Banquo’s son. He alone escapes from the ambush set by Macbeth for him and his father.

Macduff, Thane of Fife

A Scottish nobleman who questions Macbeth’s tyrannical rule and refuses to recognize him as king.
Macduff follows Malcolm to England, where he demonstrates his true faithfulness to Scotland.
When the English army marches on Dunsinane, it is Macduff who slays Macbeth in a duel. For even
though Macbeth is said to be invincible against any man born of a woman, Macduff was born by the
equivalent of a Caesarean section.

Lady Macduff, Macduff’s Wife
A kind and motherly foil for Lady Macbeth’s lack of feminine sympathies, she is killed along with
her children after Macduff flees Scotland.

Lennox, a Scotish Noble
A Scottish noble who gradually questions Macbeth’s tyrannical rule.

Ross, Macbeth’s Cousin
Macbeth’s cousin, Ross is a Scottish noble who eventually turns on Macbeth, choosing to side with
Malcolm and the English forces.

Siward, Earl of Northumberland
As Duncan’s brother, he leads the English army against Macbeth. His army disguises itself with
branches from Birnam Wood, thereby fulfilling the witches’ prophesy that Macbeth will fall only
when “Birnam Wood remove to Dunsinane.” Siward is also a proud father, declaring his approval
when his son dies bravely in battle.

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