Macbeth: Changes in nature and character

Though we do not see anywhere in the play about Macbeth's physical characteristics, however, we do see a psychological progression from 'brave Macbeth' (1.1) to 'dead butcher' (5.9). This essay will look at how the character of Macbeth transforms from a "Nobel Macbeth" (act I, sc. II) to a "bloodier villain" (act V, sc VIII). At the beginning, the play introduces the audience to a war taking place between Scotland and Norway. The play shows the audience …

…won the war against Norway. But soon we see flaws in his personality. His desire for the throne after hearing the prophecy, his fear of losing the throne hence the death of Banquo and then finally the fear of his own death which leads to him getting Macduff's family killed. Macbeth's desire for the throne, his fears of losing the throne and his life turns him from a brave warrior to a cold blooded killer.