Macbeth's Dynamic Character

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Ethan Gandola

Ms. Clarke

English 10

6 December 2017

Character

In the play Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare, Macbeth undergoes an

important, internal change because of the action in the plot making him a dynamic

character. Macbeth is an example of a dynamic character because he changes from a

noble, worthy warrior and ends as a tyrannical leader. Due to the fact he rules without

restriction and exhibits hubris.

At the beginning of the play, Macbeth is portrayed as a war hero during the war.

For example, “For brave Macbeth well deserves that name… till he fac’d the slave,

which ne’er shook hands, nor bade farewell to him he unseem’d him from the nave to th’

chaps and fix’d his head upon our battlement.”

And that even the king knows of him meaning that he is noble and doesn’t

exhibit hubris. Even with his fearless character in battle Macbeth finds it hard to come to

before, during, and after he murders the king of Scotland. In addition “To our own lips.

He’s here in double trust: First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, Strong both against

the deed; then, as his host, Who should against his murderer shut the door, Not bear

the knife myself. Besides, this Duncan Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been So

clear in his great office, that his virtues.” This shows of how Macbeth realizes these
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people think of him as a great person. And that’s why he rethinks about killing king

Duncan due to the fact he also had great things to say about Macbeth. Showing that at

the beginning of the play he is a pretty cool and descent human being.

Under the influence of unchecked power can be a very bad thing, and that’s what

Macbeth lacks in. Macbeths actions have serious and devastating consequences for

himself and for other characters in the play. Once Macbeth commits an act in which

For example, King Duncan

announces his son as heir, Macbeth says “ The Prince of Cumberland! That is a

step/On which I must fall down, or else o'erleap, For in my way it lies. Stars, hide your

fires;/Let not light see my black and deep desires./The eye wink at the hand; yet let that

be/Which the eye fears, when it is done, to see (1.4.55-60).” This shows that Macbeth

makes the decision that he needs to kill Malcolm. And that he is no longer loyal to

Duncan and his decision of who should be king. In addition, “The castle of Macduff I will

surprise, seize upon Fife, give to th’ edge o’ th’ sword His wife, his babes, and all

unfortunate souls/ That trace him in his line (1.7 13-18).” This shows that Macbeth is

drowning in his own insanity. It also shows he is consumed with fear and getting the

crown no matter the costs. Showing that Macbeth is a tyrant in his own way.

In conclusion, Macbeth allows the audience to see his hubris ambition is followed

by a great demise. Macbeth’s character fits with every greedy tragic hero in most of

Shakespeare’s plays. Macbeth displays all the characteristics of a tragic hero, making

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