Characters in Macbeth Quiz

Macbeth begins as a brave, honourable soldier loyal to the king. As the play progresses, ambition and guilt corrupt him. He becomes increasingly violent and ruthless, ordering murders to protect his power, and ends the play as a tyrant who has lost his humanity.

Lady Macbeth rejects traditional femininity by asking to be ‘unsexed’ and showing ambition, dominance, and emotional control. She takes charge of the plan to murder Duncan, contrasting with expectations of women being passive and gentle.

The Witches plant the idea of ambition in Macbeth’s mind through their prophecies. Although they do not force him to act, their predictions tempt him and contribute to his moral downfall.

Banquo represents loyalty and moral integrity. His ghost symbolises Macbeth’s guilt and loss of control. Banquo’s descendants are also prophesied to be kings, threatening Macbeth’s legacy.

Duncan is shown as kind, generous, and trusting. He rewards loyalty and rules fairly, which makes his murder seem especially evil and highlights Macbeth’s betrayal.

Lady Macbeth is consumed by guilt, leading to sleepwalking and hallucinations. She becomes mentally unstable and obsessed with washing imaginary blood from her hands, showing that she cannot escape her conscience.

Macduff is honest, loyal, and motivated by justice rather than ambition. Unlike Macbeth, he feels deep emotion, particularly grief for his family, and ultimately restores order by killing Macbeth.

Malcolm pretends to be immoral to test Macduff’s loyalty and honesty. This proves Malcolm’s wisdom and shows he is cautious and intelligent, unlike Macbeth.

Banquo is cautious and sceptical. He warns Macbeth that evil forces may tell truths to cause harm, showing his wisdom and moral strength.

Macbeth is a tragic hero because he starts as a noble character with great potential but is brought down by his tragic flaw, ambition. His choices lead to his downfall, evoking both pity and fear in the audience.