Macbeth Character and Characterization Reference Sheet

Being able to understand characters is the key to comprehending the plot. As you read excerpts from Macbeth and get to
know the characters from the play, add your own evidence of how Shakespeare characterizes the key players.

Character One Word To Direct Indirect

Character Description
Name Describe Characterization Characterization
The tragic hero; a brave general
who is easily convinced to do
Macbeth wrong by outside forces, like the
three witches and his wife, Lady
Macbeth
The wife of Macbeth; her hunger
for power leads her to talk her
Lady Macbeth
husband into assassinating King
Duncan
Three sisters who play on
Macbeth's character weakness and
Three Witches desire for power; their prophecies
convince Macbeth to murder
Duncan and Banquo
Macbeth's friend and fellow
general; the witches say that
Banquo's children will take the
Banquo throne, so Banquo is also killed by
Macbeth; his ghost comes back to
haunt Macbeth and remind him of
his wrongdoing
An enemy of Macbeth; his wife and
young son are killed by Macbeth;
Macduff
he seeks revenge against Macbeth
for his wrongdoings
The beloved king of Scotland at the
start of the play; he is assassinated
Duncan
by Macbeth; his son, Malcolm,
eventually takes back the throne
The son of Duncan; flees Scotland
after his father's murder; later
Malcolm
teams up with Macduff to seek
revenge and takes back Scotland

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