Macbeth is a great Shakespearean tragedy that portrays many "tragic flaws" of the central protagonist, Macbeth. Macbeth who has more then just one central "tragic flaw", rather he has a combination of smaller ones that all contribute to his downfall. The most obvious of the flaws is ambition. In the beginning of the play one sees Macbeth as a noble and courageous man. The story of his glorious victory over Norway creates the image of a very loyal and honorable man. In Act I scene ii, a conversation occurs between King Duncan and Ross in which they describe Macbeth using words like "brave" and "noble". However, the image of Macbeth as a "brave" and "noble" man is quickly ruined when Macbeth hears of the three prophecies. Macbeth becomes ambitious, and in his hunger for power he betrays his own king who has treated Macbeth well and with respect. Even Macbeth admits that he has been a good king, however his selfishness overcomes his feelings and he slays Duncan. Macbeth's ambition grows as the play continues. In Act III scene i Macbeth demonstrates how his ambition and his hunger for power have grown. He is dissatisfied with the Crown being passed on to either Banquo or Fleance, and thus orders their death, because he is not satisfied with only being king. The most defining and brutal moment in which Macbeth's ambitions have completely taken control is in Act IV scene iii. Macbeth has decided he will act on his instincts and orders to have the entire Macduff family slaughtered. His ambitions have blinded all his morals and virtues and made him become a power-hungry man. His powerful ambition leads him to commit brutal and fatal acts, which serve only to bring about his eventual downfall.
