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

Also known as Thane of Glamis

First appears in chapter 3

A Scottish nobleman and celebrated soldier serving King Duncan. Courageous in battle and newly honored for defeating rebels, he becomes unsettled when supernatural figures predict a greater title and the crown.

First appears in chapter 5

Macbeth's wife and closest confidante. On reading his account of the prophecy, she immediately considers how the promised crown might be obtained and worries that his scruples could obstruct his ambition.

Also known as The Weird Sisters

Appears from the start

Three supernatural figures who meet amid thunder and plan an encounter with Macbeth. Their compressed, paradoxical speech associates them with confusion and moral disorder before their purpose becomes clear.

First appears in chapter 3

A Scottish nobleman and fellow commander who fights alongside Macbeth. Observant and cautious, he hears predictions concerning his descendants but questions whether apparent truths may conceal danger.

First appears in chapter 2

The king of Scotland, generous toward loyal service and relieved by victory over rebellion. He rewards Macbeth with a new title and places great trust in the nobleman whose castle he visits.

First appears in chapter 2

Duncan's eldest son and named heir. He supports his father at court and represents the established royal succession that stands between Macbeth and the witches' promise.

First appears in chapter 6

A Scottish nobleman who attends Duncan and helps escort the king to Macbeth's castle. Direct and principled in his first appearances, he belongs to the public order surrounding the monarchy.

First appears in chapter 8

Banquo's young son, traveling with his father after dark at Macbeth's castle. His place in the family gives weight to the witches' prediction that Banquo will father kings.

First appears in chapter 2

A Scottish nobleman who reports news from the battlefield and court. He becomes one of the figures through whom changes in loyalty, fear, and political control are made visible.

First appears in chapter 2

A Scottish nobleman in the royal circle who observes the aftermath of Duncan's visit. His formal questions and comments register the growing uncertainty within the court.

First appears in chapter 19

Macduff's wife, left at the family home with their children. She feels exposed and abandoned by her husband's sudden departure, judging his political caution through its cost to the household.

First appears in chapter 27

The son of the English commander Siward, serving in the force that joins Malcolm's campaign. Young and eager to prove himself in combat, he represents the military support gathering against Macbeth.