Traits of Macbeth?

Question

What Macbeth was like, who he was, what he did.

Answer 1

What was Macbeth like? He was brave, we see that in the second scene of the play, or rather, are told that from a bloody man's account to kind Duncan.

Unfortunately, Macbeth has a few character flaws. He is easily manipulated by his wife, and had what I would guess is low self esteem. She taunts him asking him if he is too much of a coward to kill Duncan and he cant stand the thought... so he murders his king. Another bad quality- disloyal.

My favorite trait in Macbeth is his unrelenting confidence. When the witches state that he has nothing to fear until Birnam Woods come to Dunsinane, he is ecstatic. He also enjoys hearing that no man born of woman can harm him. However, when the tree branches that disguises Malcom and Macduff's army move toward the castle, Macbeth still wont back down. I love his line when he slays Young Siward, "You were born of woman!"

His entire downfall is because of this confidence, and because he is ultimately greedy.

Who was he? Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, King of Scotland

What did he do? He killed King Duncan, the kings guards, had Banquo murdered, and Macduff's entire family killed. He was a real prick. I think of Macbeth like an avalanche that once it gets started, it just destroys everything in its path until its stopped.

Answer 2

It's a pretty good play; you ought to give it a read sometime.