I am going to do a character analysis of Macbeth, the protagonist in this play. I will be evaluating how Macbeths ambition and determination to be king, eventually drags him to his downfall.

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Macbeth in context

Macbeth is a five act tragic play, which was written by William Shakespeare for King James I in1607. It took the world by storm and today it is one of the best known tragedies available. Since it is so worthy of praise, in this essay, I am going to do a character analysis of Macbeth, the protagonist in this play. I will be evaluating how Macbeth’s ambition and determination to be king, eventually drags him to his downfall.

Despite, he is the hero the main character; Macbeth is not introduced in the first two scenes. As William Shakespeare uses this as a theatrical device to create suspense and arouse curiosity in the audience. He does this by introducing other characters in these two scenes always speak about Macbeth. For example, one of the witches says, ‘There to meet with Macbeth’. This makes the audience curious about what they are going to do to him. Furthermore they make the King and bleeding sergeant speak of his bravery and skill, making him liked already.

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The dramatist Shakespeare additionally uses mythological language to glorify Macbeth. For instance the Bleeding Sergeant describes Macbeth by calling him ‘Valour’s minion’ and ‘Bellona’s bride groom’. Since Bellona is the Roman Goddess of war, Shakespeare is saying that Macbeth is a lover of war and is therefore a good soldier. Valour is courage and by calling him ‘Valour’s minion’ he shows that he is fearless and courageous.

The hero, Macbeth, was a victim of circumstance. He is firstly influenced by the three witches in act one scene three. They convince Macbeth that he has the right traits to become a ...

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