Macbeth Characters
Every major character in Macbeth by William Shakespeare, with a portrait, who they are and the chapters they appear in.
MacbethProtagonist · 19 chaptersA celebrated Scottish general whose ambition drives him from loyal thane to murderous king and isolated tyrant.
BanquoMajor character · 13 chaptersA loyal Scottish captain and friend to Macbeth, skeptical of the witches and father to Fleance.
MacduffMajor character · 13 chaptersThane of Fife, a plain-spoken, duty-bound noble who seeks Scotland’s good and ultimately confronts Macbeth.
MalcolmMajor character · 12 chaptersEldest son of King Duncan who leads the effort to unseat Macbeth and restore rightful rule in Scotland.
RossMajor character · 12 chaptersA Scottish thane and royal messenger who brings news between battlefield, court, and noble households.
Lady MacbethMajor character · 10 chaptersMacbeth’s ambitious, steely wife who plots Duncan’s murder and later unravels from guilt into sleepwalking madness.
LennoxMajor character · 10 chaptersA cautious young Scottish noble in Duncan’s court who observes events, reports omens, and later joins the resistance to Macbeth.
DuncanMajor character · 9 chaptersThe generous, steady King of Scotland whose trust and goodness set the court's tone before his murder upends the realm.
DonalbainMinor character · 7 chaptersYounger son of King Duncan; polite, cautious, and retreats to Ireland after his father’s murder.- AAngusMinor character · 6 chaptersA Scottish noble and soldier who accompanies the king and later joins Malcolm’s invading force against Macbeth.
FleanceMinor character · 6 chaptersBanquo’s young son who accompanies his father, observes court life, and narrowly escapes an assassination attempt.
SiwardMajor character · 6 chaptersSeasoned English commander who brings military force to restore order in Scotland and fights at Dunsinane.- AAttendantsMinor character · 4 chaptersCourt attendants and servants who accompany the king and nobles, present at arrivals and the state banquet.
HecateMinor character · 4 chaptersGoddess‑like mistress of the witches who directs their magic to deceive Macbeth and hasten his ruin.- SServantMinor character · 4 chaptersA castle servant who carries messages between Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and others, often nervous and practical.
- SSoldiersMinor character · 4 chaptersUnnamed ranks of Malcolm’s invading force who march on Dunsinane and carry out tactical orders.
The Three WitchesAntagonist · 4 chaptersMysterious, malevolent sisters who prophesy and manipulate Macbeth, setting his ambition and downfall in motion.- DDoctorMinor character · 3 chaptersa court physician who observes, diagnoses, and ultimately admits his limits in treating Macbeth’s household illnesses
- FFirst MurdererMinor character · 3 chaptersOne of three hired killers Macbeth recruits to ambush Banquo and later attacks civilians at Macduff’s castle.
Young SiwardMinor character · 3 chaptersA young English nobleman eager to prove himself in battle, fighting with Malcolm’s army against Macbeth.
Lady MacduffMinor character · 2 chaptersMacduff’s wife, a sharp-tongued, protective mother who manages the household in Fife and becomes a victim of political violence.
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