Macbeth Characters

Duncan well-liked King who is brutally murdered by Macbeth while staying at Macbeth’s Castly
Macbeth Nobleman of Scotland; Thane of Glamis who becomes Thane of Cawdor; eventually becomes king to fulfill the witches’ prophesy
Lady Macbeth Wife of Macbeth who urges her husband to kill King Duncan so that he could be king; later loses her courage and begins to sleepwalk because of the stress of the crime; later commits suicide
Banquo Friend of Macbeth whose sons the witches prophesy will eventually be kings of Scotland; later murdered by Macbeth; his ghost haunts Macbeth.
Macduff Enemy of Macbeth who suspects Macbeth of Duncan’s murder; kills Macbeth because he was not “born of a woman” (Act IV, Scene 1, Line 80)
Malcolm First son of Duncan and heir to the throne; escapes to England after his father’s murder; later leads the revolt against Macbeth
Donalbain Second son of Duncan; ecsapes to Ireland after his father’s murder
Lennox Urges Macduff to bring Malcolm back from England as the rightful heir to the throne
Ross Nobleman who helps Malcolm in his attempt to reclaim the throne
Fleance Banquo’s son; escapes murder attempt by Macbeth
Siward Earl of Northumberland who helps Malcolm regain the throne
Young Siward Son of Siward who is killed by Macbeth
Lady Macduff Macduff’s wife who is brutally murdered under Macbeth’s orders
Three Murderers Enlisted by Macbeth to kill Banquo and Fleance
Gentlewoman Lady Macbeth’s assistant; observes her strange somnambulatory behavior and enlists the help of the doctor
Hecate Protector of witches; concocts the potion that will lead Macbeth to his ruin
Witches the weird sisters who prophesy Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland; also predict Banquo’s sons will be heirs to the throne; help Hecate concoct a potion that will lead Macbeth to his ruin
Three Apparitions Helmeted Head, Bloody Child, Crowned Child holding a Tree
They all warn Macbeth to beware the Thane of Fife (Macduff), fear any man who was NOT born of a woman; remain courageous until Great Birnam Wood travels to Dunsinane Hill
Queen Elizabeth patron of Shakespeare; virgin queen
Black Plague killed 10% of Londoners; closed down theaters
The Globe Shakespeare’s theater
Box Office patrons placed penny in box at the entrance
Wooden O Shakespeare’s nickname for the Globe
Thames River Globe’s location
Apron name given to type of stage which allows for spectators on all three sides
Shakespeare Nicknamed the Bard; actor, playwright
Cavalier Poets Group of poets in the 17th century who supported King Charles I
Herculean Pillars support for the stage; painted to look like marble
Black Flag Signaled a tragedy would be performed
Breeching age 6-7, boys could wear “Boy” clothes
Pit or Yard one penny seats in this area
Tiring House dressing room; held props
Hamnet Shakespeare’s son who died
Henry VIII fire during performance caused Globe to burn
Red Flag signaled a history would be performed
First Folio 1st published collection of Shakespeare’s works