Examples Of Direct Characterization Of Macbeth

In MacBeth, Shakespeare uses characterization to stress that like MacDuff, a good leader puts their citizens first. Even though at the beginning of the play MacBeth was considered honorable and brave in the war, throughout the story his actions immersed him in unbearable guilt and caused him to be self-absorbed in power. MacBeth said himself that “Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill” (Shakespeare III.ii 55). MacBeth knows murdering his way to status was morally wrong, but he cannot stop. He no longer cares about his citizens, only Lady MacBeth and himself. Once entitled King, MacBeth was not afraid to dispose of all those who threatened his place on the throne. MacDuff was there that morning when King Duncan was found dead, and
So MacBeth decides to take down his threat and destroy those closest to him: his family. MacDuff was heartbroken with the news, though he knew he had to move forward and use this as fuel to take down MacBeth. MacDuff sighs, “O, I could play the woman with mine eyes, And braggart with my tongue! But; gentle heavens, Cut short all intermission; front to front Bring thou this fiend of Scotland and myself; Within my sword’s length set him” (IV.iii 230-234). Despite his whole family being slaughtered, MacDuff knew he had to persevere through the pain and fight against MacBeth for Scotland. MacDuff had to put his personal relationships behind to help his country. MacBeth always prioritized his personal relationships, resulting in more power for himself, but a deteriorating Scotland for his citizens. MacBeth did not care that his citizens were leaving him to join the rebelling army, as long as he was still king. Determined for revenge, MacDuff found MacBeth and killed him in a battle. MacDuff triumphantly marches in with “Th’usurper’s cursed head. The time is free” (V.viii 55). MacDuff put his personal issues aside in order to help his