Macbeth's Character Analysis

Macbeth’s True Character
Thesis: In the tragedy, Macbeth by William Shakespeare, the main character Macbeth is described as a courageous and honorable war hero, however, his encounter with Lady Macbeth and his soliloquy/aside, prove that he possesses an internal struggle of being an indecisive and weak character that lacks patience.

In the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare, the main character Macbeth is introduced as a courageous and honorable war hero, who is admired by the king. The Captain informs the king, Duncan of what had just taken place at the battlefield, “For brave Macbeth (well he deserves that name),/ Disdaining Fortune, with his brandished steel,/ …carved out his passage/ Till he faced the slave;/ … Till he unseamed him from the nave to th’ chops,/ And fixed his head upon our battlements” (1.2.18-25). In this quote, the Captain describes an event, in which Macbeth demonstrated bravery and becomes the reason for the battle victory. Ross describes Macbeth as a war hero on the battlefield, “Point against point, rebellious arm ‘gainst arm,/ Curbing his lavish spirit. And to conclude,/ The victory fell on us.” (1.3.64-66). By stating this, he explains that Macbeth’s bravery is the reason they had won against the Norweyans. After which, Duncan proceeds to address Macbeth as “noble Macbeth” and gives him a new title, The Thane of Cawdor, “And with his former title greet Macbeth/… What he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won” (1.3.76, 78). This shows that Macbeth’s accomplishments have gained enough trust and respect from the most powerful figure in Scotland, making it possible for him to receive such an important title, and possibly be eligible for a title of the king in the future.
When he is alone with his thoughts, Macbeth’s true character is revealed. His soliloquy as well as his encounter with Lady Macbeth shows that he is an impatient, weak and indecisive individual. In his soliloquy, Macbeth lists reasons why he should not proceed with the murder plot, “First, as I am his kinsman and his subject,/ … Who should against his murderer shut the door,/ Not bear the knife myself. … that his virtues/ Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against/ The deep damnation of his taking off;” (1.7.13-20), after which he becomes sure of his decision to not go through with the plan. This causes Lady Macbeth to question Macbeth’ sudden change of plans, “What beast was’t/then,/ That made you break this enterprise to me?”, which shows the Thane of Cawdor’s inconsistency in his decisions. After agreeing to go through with the murder plot, he then changes his mind after thoroughly thinking it through. In addition to being inconsistent, Macbeth is also weak, which allows him to be easily manipulated by his wife, Lady Macbeth. “Art thou afeard/ To be the same in thine own act and valor/ As thou art in desire?” (1.7.43-45). By stating this, Lady Macbeth is forcing Macbeth to change his mind about Duncan’s murder, because as a man, it is his duty to prove that he is stronger than he appears. Knowing this, Lady Macbeth is able to easily manipulate her husband into going through with the murder plan, which would lead to her becoming the Queen of Scotland. Macbeth’s lack of patience also translates as hunger for power, which confines his ability to make wise decisions. Macbeth demonstrates his lack of patience in an encounter with the Weird Sisters, “ Stay, you imperfect speakers. Tell me more” (3.73). Because his hunger for power grows as the Weird Sisters tell him what the future holds, it leads Macbeth to consider malicious ways as a strategy to achieve his goal of becoming king. This shows that he is eager to know more about the future of his career, which takes his focus away from the present.
Macbeth appears as a strong character that is fearless on the battlefield and is considered a true war hero. However, during intimate encounters, his true colors show and reveal his flaws of being an indecisive, weak and impatient individual. These flaws make him a less skilled warrior, as his desire to win is overshadowed by his desire to receive a higher title and become the King of Scotland.