Macbeth characters

Also known as Weird Sisters

Appears from the start

Three supernatural figures who meet amid thunder and plan an encounter with Macbeth after the fighting ends. They speak in riddling contradictions and seem able to anticipate political events.

Also known as King Duncan

First appears in chapter 2

The King of Scotland, receiving reports from a battle against rebels and a Norwegian invasion. He rewards loyalty generously and condemns the Thane of Cawdor after learning of that nobleman's treason.

Also known as Prince of Cumberland

First appears in chapter 2

Duncan's elder son and heir. He accompanies the king during the aftermath of the rebellion and reports the former Thane of Cawdor's composed execution.

First appears in chapter 2

A Scottish nobleman who brings Duncan news of victory and of Macbeth's valor, then carries the king's grant of the Cawdor title to Macbeth.

Also known as Thane of Glamis

First appears in chapter 3

A Scottish commander celebrated for defeating rebels and foreign troops. Returning from battle with Banquo, he encounters three witches who address him by his present title, by the traitor Cawdor's title, and as a future king. Their prediction awakens an ambition that immediately troubles him.

First appears in chapter 3

A Scottish commander and Macbeth's friend, courageous in the same battle. The witches promise that he will be lesser and greater than Macbeth and the ancestor of kings, though not a king himself. He treats the prophecy more cautiously than Macbeth does.

Also known as Lady Macbeth

First appears in chapter 5

Macbeth's wife and closest confidante. Reading his account of the prophecy, she fears that his scruples will obstruct his ambition and resolves to supply the ruthlessness she believes the opportunity requires.

First appears in chapter 8

Banquo's young son. Banquo summons him during a restless night at Macbeth's castle and carries a protective concern for the boy's future.

Also known as Thane of Fife

First appears in chapter 10

A Scottish nobleman who comes to wake Duncan after the king's night at Macbeth's castle. Direct and loyal to the crown, he discovers that something terrible has happened in the royal chamber.

First appears in chapter 10

A Scottish nobleman present when Duncan's household is roused. He reports the violent weather of the night and helps investigate the disorder at Macbeth's castle.

Also known as The Porter

First appears in chapter 10

The gatekeeper at Macbeth's castle. Roused by persistent knocking after a night of heavy drinking, he imagines himself admitting sinners to the gate of hell before letting Macduff and Lennox enter.

First appears in chapter 16

The queen of the witches, summoned after Macbeth has begun relying on supernatural predictions. She rebukes the three sisters for dealing with him without including her.

Also known as Lady Macduff

First appears in chapter 19

Macduff's wife, left at their castle with their children after he departs Scotland. Feeling abandoned and endangered, she questions whether his flight was wise or loyal to his family.

First appears in chapter 24

An experienced English commander and ally of Malcolm. He leads troops supplied by the English king in the effort to restore lawful government in Scotland.

Also known as Young Siward

First appears in chapter 24

Siward's son, joining Malcolm's army against Macbeth. His presence makes the campaign a personal test of courage as well as a political intervention.