Ross is of further importance in the following scene, Act I Scene iii as he is the one to pass on the message form King Duncan informing Macbeth of his new title of ‘Thane of Cawdor’ and says ‘hail most worthy thane, for it is thine.’ Thus reinforcing the idea in Macbeth’s head that the witches prophecies witnessed earlier in this scene are in fact true, despite his doubts earlier. This leads to Macbeth’s first soliloquy where he debates with the idea that since the first prophecy from the witches came true, then the rest might be fulfilled as ‘two truths are told, as happy prologues to the swelling act of the imperial theme.’ He begins to debate with the idea of murdering King Duncan to become king, however, he considers not doing anything, ‘if chance will have me king, why chance may crown me without my stir’. At this point of the play Macbeth’s evil side is not quite shown yet. He doesn’t want to destroy the course of nature or God’s will as it goes against the Divine right of Kings.
Act II Scene iv is the morning after King Duncan was murdered, Ross and an Old Man speculate about what has happened, although they do not know of the murder. They discuss the series of unnatural events that occurred on the night of King Duncan’s murder which is ironic because no one knows about it yet. A lot of dark and animal imagery is presented in this scene which enhances the overall dark theme of the play. Ross states that ‘darkness does the face of earth entomb,’ using the death metaphor reflects the death of Duncan and the guards. Ross’s words are filled with suspicions against Macbeth. Initially it was thought that Duncan’s son’s may have murdered him in order to become king, Macduff informs them that they have fled. Ross explains that it is ‘gainst nature still’ and that they would become king anyways sooner or later, hence ‘tis most like the sovereignty will fall upon Macbeth.’ Thus, presenting a reason why Macbeth most likely responsible for the murder.
Ross’s role in Act III Scene iv is highly significant. Macbeth is hosting a Banquet and he has just received news that his assassins have carried out Banquo’s murder, Macbeth however mentions his regret that Banquo isn’t present. Ross states that ‘his absence, sir lays blame upon his promise’ and prompts Macbeth to take a seat ‘to grace us with your royal company’. This then leads to Macbeth replying that ‘the table’s full,’ when in fact it isn’t because he hallucinates Banquo’s ghost. Macbeth’s increased anxiety and hysteric reaction leads to Ross telling the guests to ‘rise’ as ‘his highness is not well’ and tells the ‘gentlemen’ to ‘rise’. This comment leads Lady Macbeth to explain to the that her Macbeth ‘is often thus’ and ‘hath been from his youth,’ covering up the fact that his guilt is due to their atrocious deeds. However, she has no knowledge of the murdering of Banquo and so only believes that he acts this way due to murdering King Duncan.
Furthermore, in Act IV Scene iii, Ross informs Macduff about the attacks on his castle, this as a result gives Macduff the desire to kill Macbeth and fulfill the prophecies. Ross ultimately is a highly significant minor character in Macbeth and helps drive the plot.