How does Macbeths character change from the beginning of the play up until the murder of King Duncan?

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How does Macbeths character change from the beginning of the play up until the murder of King Duncan?

We first hear about Macbeth from the witches, when they say

“There to meet with Macbeth”

 this doesn’t give much away about him.  Although the fact that his name was said my witches, who were thought to be evil at the time, points towards evil.  The next time Macbeth is spoken about is in act I scene II where Ross tells King Duncan about that battle and that the thane of Cawdor was a traitor.  Before Ross enters the scene we see the Sergeant speaking very highly of Macbeth.  From what the Sergeant says we are given the idea that he is a brave and loyal solder.  We realise this when he says

“For brave Macbeth, - well he deserves that name – Disdaining fortune, with his brandish’d steel”.  

The fact that Macbeth is highly spoken of is shown to us again by Duncan when he refers to Macbeth as

 “O valiant cousin! worthy gentleman!”

 We then find out that Macbeth is to be made Thane of Cawdor

“No more that Thane of Cawdor shall deceive our bosom interest. Go

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pronounce his present death, and with his former title greet Macbeth.”

 Duncan says, as well as

 “What he hath lost noble Macbeth hath won.”  

Macbeth is obviously a brave soldier who is loyal honourable and famous for his bravery.

In scene III we see Macbeth for the first time.  He is in a good mood and full of glory from the battle he has just won.  The three witches are already at the scene when Macbeth and Banquo enter.  The two solders are extremely fearful when they see the three witches who begin by saying ...

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