How do you define heroism? In Macbeth, a tragedy written by William Shakespeare, three characters, Macbeth, Banquo, and Macduff are important characters in the story that display heroism in many ways throughout the tragedy. The story is about Macbeth, who after being told his prophecy of becoming king, becomes persuaded by his wife to chase after the crown. This chase causes him and his wife to go crazy as they start killing people,such as when he kills his best friend, Banquo, and sees his ghost everywhere. Eventually, Macbeth is killed by Macduff. Most people recognize that Macbeth is actually the tragedy’s villain rather than hero, and Macduff and Banquo are actually heroes in the story. All three characters prove they are heroes, but in different characteristics and aspects. …show more content…
The word “hero” does not necessarily mean “good guy”. This is what happens in the case of Macbeth. Starting off the story, we hear about Scotland coming off a victory in battle thanks to the valiant efforts of Macbeth. The captain in the battle says,”But all’s too weak/For brave Macbeth-well he deserves that name-/disdaining Fortune, with his brandished steel/ which smoked with bloody execution”(I.ii.15-18). These reports demonstrate how brave and bold Macbeth was in battle and also how he ruthlessly and violently killed his way through the enemy's lines. This displays Macbeth’s heroic characteristic on the battlefield, and his great loyalty to the king of Scotland. In the end however, Macbeth turns from a heroic soldier to the king, to a tyrannical villain of Scotland, as his guilt causes him to go crazy and kill a great deal of people. Macbeth starts out the story as a great hero, but finishes it as a