Macbeth Character Analysis

An Analysis of the Transformation and Characterization of Macbeth
Perhaps the most fundamental theme of Shakespeare’s Macbeth is the inherent corruptibility of even a seemingly good man when ambition turns to greed, and Macbeth himself, as one would expect, exemplifies this concept throughout the play. While at the outset he is seen to be loyal to his king, generally considered trustworthy, and displaying numerous other laudable qualities, Macbeth ultimately succumbs to the influence of those around him and becomes unequivocally evil, setting aside all his previously held morals and coming to be driven only by his lust for power. This transition is brought about by a wide variety of factors and plays an integral role in the development of the plot. In his tragedy Macbeth, William Shakespeare employs multiple methods of characterization in order to highlight the protagonist’s transformation from hero to villain as a result of the influences of the people surrounding him, namely the Weïrd sisters, Lady Macbeth, and Macduff, including extensive foreshadowing, a general shift in tone corresponding with turning points in the plot, and the inclusion of long-winded soliloquies to mark a critical change in Macbeth’s character.
The character, or rather characters, who arguably had the

As an example, comic relief is often used near the beginning of the play, when Macbeth could still potentially be considered redeemable, such as when the porter to Macbeth’s castle, shortly after Duncan’s murder, says “Here’s a knocking indeed! If a man were / porter of hell gate, he should have old turning the / key. [...] But this place is / too cold for hell” (2.3.1-3, 16-17). In contrast, this becomes much more rare in the later acts, when the tone is generally more somber, reflecting Macbeth being entirely overcome by