The character of Macbeth

The Character of Macbeth. The play 'Macbeth' is a portrait of one man, Macbeth, showing how he changes. Although we are presented with his deterioration from good to evil, we can see his human side throughout the play, which makes it a tragedy. It is the shortest of Shakespeare's tragedies, and has a very fast pace. Once Macbeth's ambition has 'set the ball rolling', events happen quickly in the play as it gathers momentum. The …

…warlike shield. Lay on, MacDufff, and damned be him that first cries, 'Hold, enough!'' There is nobility in the way that Macbeth chooses to die fighting, and his remnants of dignity and pride make the thought of being subservient to Malcolm and being exhibited as a tyrant unbearable. Although Macbeth was hated as an 'abhorred tyrant'(5:7 L10) by all, his pride and nobility were preserved by his decision to die rather than be captive.