The downfall of Macbeth is a tragedy which stirs pity in the audience for the tragic hero, because Macbeth has characteristics with potential to achieve greatness. However, he also has flaws that drive him to commit sacrilegious murder and fall from grace, but even at his lowest point, one can still see shards of the great man he once was.

At the beginning of the play, Macbeth is introduced as a great man. Ross and the Captain, praises his courageous victory on the battlefield, protecting Scotland against the invading Norwegians and the rebellious Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth shows his loyalty to Duncan by telling him that it is his duty to protect the life and honour of the king. Even after reading the letter, Lady Macbeth says that her husband