Macbeth, by William Shakespeare

Over the course of the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare, many minor characters contribute to Macbeth’s eventual downfall. The witches are one example of a significant source to Macbeth’s downfall. They deliver various prophecies to Macbeth, which he misinterprets and that cause him to change his behaviour and mindset. Duncan is also extremely influential in the downfall of Macbeth. This is displayed when Macbeth becomes mutinous after murdering Duncan for the throne. Ultimately, Macduff is critical to Macbeth’s downfall due to the fact that he murdered Macbeth. This not only ended Macbeth’s life, but his reign over Scotland as well. Although there are many minor characters in the play, the witches, Duncan and Macduff are three of the most significant to Macbeth’s death.
The witches play a brief, yet important role in Macbeth’s fate. At the beginning of the play, the witches deliver a prophecy to Macbeth stating that Macbeth is the Thane of Glamis, and he will become the Thane of Cawdor and the King of Scotland. At first, Macbeth is humbled by this news. However, the prophecies give him false hope, overconfidence and much temptation and ambition to become King. This is exhibited when Macbeth writes a letter to his wife about the witches prophecies in which he says, “My dearest partner of greatness,/ that thou might’st not lose the dues of rejoicing, by being/ ignorant of what greatness is promised thee.” (1.5.10-12). As this quotation demonstrates, Macbeth is now eager to have the witches prophecies fulfilled as he knows now what his future holds. The witches also deliver another prophecy to Macbeth which aids in his downfall. This prophecy explains that no man who was born of a woman is capable of harming Macbeth. This causes...

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...characters that are important in contributing to Macbeth’s downfall. The witches are an example of this as they deliver prophecies to Macbeth that are necessary to Macbeth’s change in attitude and which lead to his downfall. The witches cause Macbeth to believe he is destined to be King and that no one is able to stop him. Additionally, Duncan is significant to Macbeth’s downfall. Duncan is murdered by Macbeth in order for him to become King and this murder makes Macbeth more ambition and determined which leads to his downfall. Lastly, Macduff is another minor character to lead to Macbeth’s downfall. Macduff’s importance arises from Macduff murdering Macbeth. There are many minor characters in Macbeth that have the same significance as major characters on Macbeth’s death. However, the witches, Duncan and Macduff are three vital influences on Macbeth’s downfall.