Macbeth Act 1 Characters

Duncan King of Scotland
Malcolm son of Duncan, one of Duncan’s sons who is thought to have murdered Duncan, flees to England, Prince of Cumberland
Donalbain Duncan’s son and Malcolm’s younger brother.
MacBeth one of Duncan’s generals; wants to become King of Scotland; murders Duncan and slays anyone in the way of his kingship
Banquo The brave, noble general whose children, according to the witches’ prophecy, will inherit the Scottish throne.
Macduff A Scottish nobleman hostile to Macbeth’s kingship from the start. He eventually becomes a leader of the crusade to unseat Macbeth.
Lennox Nobleman of Scotland
Ross a messenger throughout the play who tries to convince Lady Macduff that Macduff didn’t leave because he wanted to leave his family
Menteith Nobleman of Scotland who allies with Macduff’s army, identifies Birnam Wood for Siward
Angus Nobleman who was sent to guide Macbeth and Banquo back to Duncan and to tell Macbeth he is thane of Cawdor
Caithness Scottish nobleman; one of the rebels that says of Macbeth, “Some say he’s mad, thers, that lesser hate him”.
Fleance Son to Banquo
Siward Earl of Northumberland, general of the English forces
Young Siward The Son of Siward
Seyton An officer attending on macBeth
Son to MacDuff MacDuff’s son
An English Doctor none
A Scottish Doctor none
A Porter none
An Old Man none
Three Murderers none
Lady MacBeth Macbeth’s wife who is the true mastermind behind Duncan’s murder. she accuses him of not being a man
Lady MacDuff Macduff’s wife who will not forgive him for leaving the castle and his family vulnerable
A Gentlewoman Attends on Lady MacBeth
Hecate Greek goddess of fertility who later became associated with Persephone as goddess of the underworld and protector of witches
Witches the three witches that make predictions that help persuade Macbeth to kill Duncan and Banquo.
Apparitions a ghost or ghost-like figure of a human.
Lords, Officers, Soldiers, Attendants, and Messengers Other small role characters in Act I