SmartPass Audio Education Study Guide to Macbeth (Unabridged, Dramatised) characters

Also known as Thane of Glamis

First appears in chapter 3

A Scottish nobleman and formidable soldier, introduced while returning from victory against rebels and foreign forces. The witches address him with a title he does not yet possess and predict that he will become king.

First appears in chapter 3

Macbeth's fellow commander and friend. The witches promise him no crown of his own but say that his descendants will be kings, a prophecy he receives with greater caution than Macbeth.

Also known as Weird Sisters

Appears from the start

Three supernatural figures who meet amid thunder and plan an encounter with Macbeth after the battle. Their predictions connect political ambition with riddling promises and uncertain appearances.

First appears in chapter 2

The king of Scotland, relieved by Macbeth and Banquo's victory over rebellion. He rewards loyalty generously and places deep trust in the nobles who serve him.

Also known as Prince of Cumberland

First appears in chapter 2

Duncan's elder son and declared heir to the Scottish throne. His appointment places him between Macbeth and the kingship foretold by the witches.

First appears in chapter 4

Duncan's younger son. He accompanies the royal party to Macbeth's castle and shares Malcolm's danger as a member of the immediate royal family.

First appears in chapter 5

Macbeth's wife and closest confidante. On reading his account of the prophecy, she immediately resolves to help him seize the crown and worries that his conscience may obstruct their ambition.

First appears in chapter 10

A Scottish nobleman who arrives to wake Duncan and discovers that the king has been murdered. His alarm summons the castle household and begins the search for responsibility.

First appears in chapter 8

Banquo's son and companion on the road. The witches' prediction makes his future politically significant even though he begins as a young observer of his father's encounters.

First appears in chapter 2

A Scottish nobleman and messenger who brings Macbeth confirmation that Duncan has granted him the title of Thane of Cawdor, apparently fulfilling the first part of the witches' greeting.

First appears in chapter 10

A Scottish nobleman loyal to Duncan. He is present at Macbeth's castle on the night of the king's visit and responds to the disorder that follows.

First appears in chapter 10

The gatekeeper at Macbeth's castle, roused by persistent knocking after a night of heavy drinking. His delay creates a brief comic interruption before Duncan's death is discovered.

First appears in chapter 12

Men recruited by Macbeth after he becomes king. He persuades them that Banquo is responsible for their hardships and hires them to attack Banquo and Fleance away from the palace.

First appears in chapter 16

A supernatural ruler associated with the witches. She rebukes them for dealing with Macbeth without her and plans further visions designed to exploit his confidence.

First appears in chapter 19

Macduff's wife, left at the family home in Fife after he goes to England. Angry and frightened by his departure, she tries to explain it to their young son.