Macbeth

The title character and the play’s protagonist, Macbeth is a tragic figure whose soaring ambition compels him to lose his humanity. At the beginning of the play, he is a conquering hero. Before the audience has even been introduced to Macbeth, the level of respect which he is accorded by other characters demonstrates that he is worthy of attention.

A victorious general, Macbeth is rewarded for his great deeds with noble titles and praise from King Duncan. But it is not enough. After an encounter with a coven of witches, Macbeth becomes obsessed with becoming king. His frequent asides to the audience make clear that his ambitions have taken over his entire character. Once a confident, benevolent, and respectable figure, Macbeth transforms into a deranged, paranoid despot who butchers innocent women and children on a whim.

Macbeth’s sympathetic, doubt-racked side occasionally peers out from behind his towering violence. Before he murders Duncan—his friend, cousin, and king—he sees a vision of a dagger. The sight makes him question himself and he soon abandons regicide, only to give in to his wife’s encouragement. Macbeth is violent and ruthless, but he is also introspective and thoughtful. His guilt, shame, and doubt humanize him, complicating what could be simply a violent psychopath into a tragic figure.