Macbeth - Why does Macbeth kill Duncan when he knows he should not?

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Why does Macbeth kill Duncan when he knows he should not?

Macbeth was a controversial play written during the Jacobean period. This play, written by William Shakespeare, involves the act of killing the king, or regicide. Having been set in Jacobean times this play would have invoked much horror and disbelief among audiences as they were intrigued though amazed at the bravery of Shakespeare for including regicide during the reign of the very powerful king, James I. In comparison, people in modern times watching this would not be affected whatsoever because the times have changed and people are no longer as influenced by the monarchy and there are obvious differences in severity - for example: mocking King James I would incur a death penalty, whereas now the Royal family is mocked daily. However, recently the gunpowder plot had been attempted, and at the time, regicide was becoming an ever increasing topic of plays.

The tragic play begins by introducing the main character, Macbeth, who throughout the duration of the play gradually becomes more evil and eventually is killed. This makes the play so tragic as brave Macbeth begins the play as a hero, however, he is tragically