Macbeth characters

Also known as The Weird Sisters

Appears from the start

Three mysterious figures who meet amid thunder and plan an encounter with Macbeth after a battle. Their cryptic predictions introduce a world in which temptation, supernatural influence, and human choice are difficult to separate.

Also known as Thane of Glamis

Appears from the start

A celebrated Scottish commander and Thane of Glamis whose courage has helped defeat a rebellion against King Duncan. Returning from battle with Banquo, he encounters three witches who address him with an additional title and predict that he will become king.

Appears from the start

A Scottish nobleman and soldier who fights beside Macbeth. The witches predict that he will not be king but will father kings. He is intrigued yet cautious, warning that apparently truthful supernatural promises may lead people toward harm.

Appears from the start

The king of Scotland, generous toward the commanders who have defeated the rebellion and trusting toward those he believes loyal. He rewards Macbeth with the forfeited title of Thane of Cawdor and plans to visit Macbeth's castle.

Appears from the start

Duncan's elder son, a prince who fights on the king's side during the rebellion. He reports the honorable death of the former Thane of Cawdor and stands within the royal line that the witches' promise has made newly important to Macbeth.

Appears from the start

A Scottish nobleman who carries news between the royal court, the battlefield, and Macbeth. He helps confirm that the victorious Macbeth has received the title of Thane of Cawdor.

First appears in chapter 2

Macbeth's wife and closest confidante. After reading his account of the witches' predictions, she fears that his scruples will prevent him from seizing the crown and begins preparing herself to press him toward decisive action during Duncan's visit.

First appears in chapter 2

The Thane of Fife, a Scottish nobleman who attends Duncan at Macbeth's castle. Direct and independent-minded, he is part of the royal company welcomed by Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

First appears in chapter 3

Banquo's young son, accompanying his father at Macbeth's castle on the night of Duncan's visit. The witches' prediction about Banquo makes Fleance's place in the family line politically significant.

First appears in chapter 4

Duncan's younger son. After the king is discovered dead, he and Malcolm fear that the murderer may also target them, and they decide that separating and leaving Scotland offers their best chance of survival.

First appears in chapter 4

Macbeth's castle gatekeeper, roused from drunken sleep by persistent knocking on the morning after Duncan's arrival. His delay briefly interrupts the mounting tension before he admits Macduff and Lennox.

First appears in chapter 7

Macduff's wife, left at the family castle after her husband departs Scotland. She feels abandoned and struggles to explain his absence to their perceptive young son.

First appears in chapter 8

An experienced English commander who supports Malcolm's campaign to restore legitimate rule in Scotland. He brings troops north with his son, Young Siward.