Character guide

Macbeth

major

Also known as Macbeth One, Macbeth Ourself, Macbeth Aside, Macbeth Hark, Macbeth Ay

Scottish general who becomes king through murder and tyranny.

Lady Macbeth

major

Also known as Lady Macbeth Alack, Lady Macbeth Nought, Lady Macbeth Who dares receive it other

Macbeth's ambitious wife who drives him to regicide.

Banquo

supporting

Also known as Noble Banquo, worthy Banquo, O Banquo, Banquo All, Banquo Ay, the right-valiant Banquo

Macbeth's friend and fellow general, whose ghost haunts him.

Macduff

major

Also known as the good Macduff, thither Macduff, Sinful Macduff, worthy Macduff, Macduff Confusion, Macduff Turn, Macduff Bleed

Thane of Fife who opposes Macbeth and ultimately kills him.

Malcolm

supporting

Also known as Malcolm O, Malcolm Aside, Malcolm It, Malcolm Macduff, Malcolm Well, young Malcolm, Malcolm The worthy thane of Ross

Duncan's son who flees to England and later reclaims the throne.

King Duncan

supporting

Also known as Duncan Dismay'd, Duncan True, this Duncan Hath, The unguarded Duncan, Wake Duncan, The gracious Duncan

The murdered King of Scotland, father of Malcolm and Donalbain.

Lady Macduff

supporting

Also known as Poor bird, Poor prattler, Lady Macduff Ay, Lady Macduff Why, Lady Macduff Whither, Lady Macduff Sirrah, Lady Macduff Wisdom

Macduff's wife, murdered on Macbeth's orders.

Ross

supporting

Also known as Angus, Ross Sir, Ross Alas, Ross Ay, Ross That now Sweno

Scottish nobleman who brings news and serves as messenger.

Lennox

supporting

Also known as Lennox Macbeth

Scottish thane who becomes suspicious of Macbeth.

Angus

minor

Scottish thane loyal to Malcolm.

Donalbain

minor

Duncan's younger son who flees to Ireland after the murder.

Hecate

minor

Also known as Pale Hecate

Goddess of witchcraft who chides the three witches.

Three Witches

supporting

Also known as Witch Banquo, Witch

Supernatural beings who prophesy Macbeth's rise and fall.

Fleance

minor

Also known as good Fleance, Fly good Fleance

Banquo's son who escapes the murderers.

Siward

minor

Also known as Old Siward, good Siward, old Siward

Earl of Northumberland who leads English forces against Macbeth.

Young Siward

minor

Siward's son, killed by Macbeth in battle.

Seyton

minor

Macbeth's armourer and attendant.

Porter

minor

Gatekeeper at Macbeth's castle who delivers a comic monologue.

Doctor

minor

Also known as Doctor Hark

Physician who observes Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking.

Gentlewoman

minor

Also known as Gentlewoman Ay

Lady Macbeth's waiting woman who reports her sleepwalking.

Murderers

minor

Also known as Third Murderer Macbeth

Hired killers who assassinate Banquo and attempt to kill Fleance.

Lord

minor

Also known as Lord The son of Duncan

Scottish nobleman who speaks of Malcolm's exile.

Macdonwald

minor

Also known as The merciless Macdonwald

Rebel leader defeated by Macbeth before the play begins.

Thane of Cawdor

minor

Traitor executed by Duncan; his title is given to Macbeth.

King of Norway

minor

Also known as Sweno

Invader defeated by Macbeth and Banquo.