Macbeth

How are the characters Malcolm, Macbeth and Duncan essential in the play Macbeth? Choose 2 and explain. Yes, all 3 of these characters are integral to the plot, but in different ways. However, I feel Duncan and Malcolm are the more important characters. Duncan’s role was the good king who was the first victim of Macbeth’s murderous ambition. His significance in the play was to be the foil that juxtaposed Macbeth’s portrayal of a king. Malcolm was the son of Duncan and heir to the throne. As such, his restoration was to symbolise Scotland’s return to order. Duncan was a good king who was trusting and benevolent. This is seen in Act1 Scene4, Duncan saying "He was a gentlemen on whom I built an absolute trust". The fact that he “built an absolute trust” on the Thane of Cawdor who eventually betrayed him shows that he is trusting. Duncan was also virtuous. This is seen in Act1 Scene7, with Macbeth saying “Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been so clear in his great office, that his virtues will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against the deep damnation of his taking-off” This shows Macbeth even recognised Duncan’s many merits and hesitates to kill him. Due to Macbeth’s murderous ambition and the instigation of Lady Macbeth, he was tricked and murdered. As a king, Macbeth was the complete opposite, he did evil things like killing his friend Banquo and killing Macduff’s family because he wanted to remain as king, which was him being more of a tyrant. Duncan was very necessary to show what a king should be, benevolent and just. He was the foil to what a king should not be, which was Macbeth being evil and unjust. As the rightful heir, Malcolm was wise. This is seen in Act2 Scene3, “This murderous shaft that's shot hath not yet lighted, and our safest way is to avoid the aim. Therefore, to horse; and let us not be dainty of leave-taking, but shift away”. Malcolm’s wisdom led to him winning the war against Macbeth. Malcolm is also has a strong will. This is seen in Act4 Scene3, “Let’s make us medicines of our great revenge, to cure this deadly grief”. The fact that Malcolm decided to “make us medicines of our great revenge” shows his determination to end Macbeth’s reign. As king, Malcolm’s restoration was to symbolise Scotland’s return to order. The two points of Macbeth being wise and his determination to win portrayed Malcolm as what a good king should actually be. Malcolm being king not only replaced Duncan as the leader of Scotland, he was also a better king in other aspects such as being a more cautious person by testing where Macduff’s loyalties were before placing his trust in him. To conclude, these two characters are very vital towards the plot of Macbeth as it portrays Macbeth’s weaknesses and wrongdoings during his reign while showing Malcolm as a better king who can solve problems and bring Scotland forward.