Duncan: King of Scotland
King Duncan was a great king. He was ambitious, well-respecteed, and admirable. Unfortunally, he is killed in Act II Scene II by Macbeth and conspired with Lady Macbeth. His death symbolizes the ending of great rulers and it can only be restored with the death of Macbeth.
Malcolm: Duncan's older son and heir to the throne
Malcolm is the rightful heir to the throne when King Duncan dies but instead Macbeth becomes king. Malcolm and Donalbain flea because they believe that the killer is after them next. Macbeth says because they fled they must have killed their father. Malcolm comes back to help revolt against Macbeth. Malcolm ends up being the one who kills Macbeth and becomes King of Scotland.
Donalbain: Duncan's younger son
Donalbain is next in line for the throne after Malcolm. He fleas with his brother because they believe the killer is after them. He is not mentioned anywhere else in the play after he fleas.
Macbeth: Thane of Glamis, a Scottish Noble, and General in King Duncan's Army
He starts out as a Scottish General and the Thane of Glamis. He is prophesized by three witches that he will become Thane of Cawdor and will become king. He blows it off but later in the play, he becomes Thane of Cawdor. He starts to believe that the prophecies are true and he will become king but Lady Macbeth doesn't believe he won't unless he does something about it. She tells her husband to kill King Duncan so he will become king. After his first encounter with death, he develops a guilty conscience but becomes addicted to killing anyone who could get in his way. People begin to suspect he killed the people he killed and revolt against him. Malcolm kills him and cuts his head off to show the country he is finally dead.
Lady Macbeth: Macbeth's wife
Lady Macbeth doesn't really come into the picture until Macbeth sends her a letter saying these three witches prophesized he will become Thane of Cawdor and King. She believes he is too kind hearted to do anything about it so she tells him to kill King Duncan. In the play, the reader comes to learn she is the one running the relationship. In the beginning, she has a cold heart and no conscience at all. As the play goes on though, she does develop a guilty conscience. In the end, this is what kills her. She couldn't live with the guilt knowing she helped kill someone so she kills herself just before Macbeth is killed.
Banquo: a Thane of Scotland and General in King Duncan's army
He is side by side with Mavbeth in the King's army. Macbeth and Banquo are "best friends." He is prophesized by the Three Witches he will born kings. After Macbeth is crowned King of Scotland, Banquo and his son run to England to confirm their suspicions of Macbeth. Macbeth orders the murders of Banquo and his son. Banquo his killed in Act III , Scene III.
Fleance: Banquo's son
He is Banquo's son. He does anything his father wants him to do. He suspects Macbeth of killing King Duncan so he runs with his father to England to confirm it. When they return, the Three Murderers try to kill them but only kill his father. After that scene, he is not really put back into the play.
Macduff: Thane of Fife and a Scottish Noble
He is supposed to be good friends of Macbeth but doesnt care for him. He never did. He fleas to England to join with Malcolm in raising an army against Macbeth. He wishes to put the rightful king on the throne. In the end, he is the one who kills Macbeth.
Lennox and Ross: Thanes and Nobles of Scotland
They want to revolt against Macbeth because he is a terrible leader. They served under Macbeth but became tired of him. They suspected him of killing Banquo and King Duncan so they joined forces with the English Army.
The Three Witches: Provide prophecies to Macbeth and Banquo
They are used to foreshadow things that will happen in the play. They foreshadow Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland and foreshadow Banquo will father kings. Later in the play, Macbeth somes back to them and they foreshadow what will lead him to his death.
Lady Macduff: Macduff's Wife
She is not brought into the play until Macduff takes off to England. The Three Murderers and sent to kill her and her son. She runs like crazy but they capture her and kill her.
Son of Macduff and Lady Macduff
He is a smart alect and makes fun of things. When the Three Murderers confront him and his mother, he is the first to die.
Menteith, Angus, and Caithness: Thanes and Nobles of Scotland
They fight in the British Army and help invade Dunsinane.
Siward: Earl of Northumberland and General of the English Forces
He is one of the generals who lead the army toward Dunsinane. He is upset his son dies but is proud he died a noble death.
Young Siward: Siward's Son
He is the first to find Macbeth when they are taking over Dunsinane and tries to kill Macbeth. Unfortunately he is killed by Macbeth.
Seyton: an officer attending Macbeth
He is the servent who lets Macbeth know the forest is coming toward them. He is sent out to get Macbeth's armor for battle.
Hecate: leader of the Witches
She is only in one scene and she scolds the Three Witches for prophesizing for Macbeth.
The Three Murderers: hired by Macbeth to kill who he wanted killed
They are hired by Macbeth to kill who he wants dead. They kill Banquo but let his son escape. They also kill Macduff's wife and son.