Macbeth (played by Jon Finch) is a protagonist in Macbeth.
Central protagonist and antagonist. A Scottish noble who, driven by ambition and his wife's urging, murders King Duncan to seize the throne. He becomes a paranoid tyrant, ordering the assassinations of Banquo and Macduff's family. Ultimately defeated in battle by Macduff after the witches' prophecies prove misleading. Lady Macbeth (played by Francesca Annis) is a protagonist in Macbeth.
Macbeth's ambitious wife. Upon learning of the witches' prophecy, she manipulates her husband into murdering King Duncan to secure the throne. She orchestrates the plot by drugging the guards and encouraging Macbeth to commit the regicide, displaying ruthless determination early in their rise to power. Banquo (played by Martin Shaw) appears in Macbeth.
A Scottish general and Macbeth's close companion. He hears a prophecy from the witches that his sons will be kings. His growing suspicion and the prophecy's threat to Macbeth's reign lead Macbeth to order his assassination. He appears as a ghost at a banquet, haunting Macbeth. Ross (played by John Stride) appears in Macbeth.
A Scottish nobleman and opportunistic courtier. Initially hails Macbeth as king but later participates in the murder of Macduff's family by leaving castle doors open for assassins. Eventually abandons Macbeth's cause and flees to England to join the forces of Malcolm and Macduff. Duncan (played by Nicholas Selby) appears in Macbeth.
The King of Scotland and Macbeth's host. A respected monarch who rewards Macbeth with the title of Thane of Cawdor and names his son Malcolm as heir. His visit to Macbeth's castle provides the opportunity for Macbeth and Lady Macbeth to assassinate him. Macduff (played by Terence Bayler) appears in Macbeth.
A Scottish nobleman who returns to Fife after Macbeth's coronation. He becomes a key figure in the rebellion against Macbeth, joining Malcolm in England. In the final battle, he confronts Macbeth and kills him, revealing he was delivered by Caesarean section, thus fulfilling the witches' prophecy. Malcolm (played by Stephan Chase) appears in Macbeth.
The eldest son of King Duncan and rightful heir to the Scottish throne. He flees to England following his father's assassination and allies with the English King to raise an army. He leads the invasion to depose Macbeth and is eventually crowned King of Scotland. Donalbain (played by Paul Shelley) appears in Macbeth.
The younger son of King Duncan. He flees to Ireland following the assassination of his father alongside his brother Malcolm. His fate is left ambiguous in the final scenes, as he is shown being silently followed by the witches.
Macbeth (1971) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Macbeth
(played by Jon Finch) — protagonist
Central protagonist and antagonist. A Scottish noble who, driven by ambition and his wife's urging, murders King Duncan to seize the throne. He becomes a paranoid tyrant, ordering the assassinations o...
Lady Macbeth
(played by Francesca Annis) — protagonist
Macbeth's ambitious wife. Upon learning of the witches' prophecy, she manipulates her husband into murdering King Duncan to secure the throne. She orchestrates the plot by drugging the guards and enco...
Banquo
(played by Martin Shaw) — supporting
A Scottish general and Macbeth's close companion. He hears a prophecy from the witches that his sons will be kings. His growing suspicion and the prophecy's threat to Macbeth's reign lead Macbeth to o...
Ross
(played by John Stride) — supporting
A Scottish nobleman and opportunistic courtier. Initially hails Macbeth as king but later participates in the murder of Macduff's family by leaving castle doors open for assassins. Eventually abandons...
Duncan
(played by Nicholas Selby) — supporting
The King of Scotland and Macbeth's host. A respected monarch who rewards Macbeth with the title of Thane of Cawdor and names his son Malcolm as heir. His visit to Macbeth's castle provides the opportu...
Macduff
(played by Terence Bayler) — supporting
A Scottish nobleman who returns to Fife after Macbeth's coronation. He becomes a key figure in the rebellion against Macbeth, joining Malcolm in England. In the final battle, he confronts Macbeth and...
Malcolm
(played by Stephan Chase) — supporting
The eldest son of King Duncan and rightful heir to the Scottish throne. He flees to England following his father's assassination and allies with the English King to raise an army. He leads the invasio...
Donalbain
(played by Paul Shelley) — supporting
The younger son of King Duncan. He flees to Ireland following the assassination of his father alongside his brother Malcolm. His fate is left ambiguous in the final scenes, as he is shown being silent...
Key Relationships
Donalbain → Macduff
(related)
Donalbain → Banquo
(related)
Malcolm → Macduff
(related)
Ross → Macduff
(related)
Malcolm → Lady Macbeth
(related)
Lady Macbeth → Macduff
(related)
Duncan → Banquo
(Power King & General)
Ross → Lady Macbeth
(Social Duplicity & Host)
Ross → Macbeth
(Professional Opportunistic Courtier & King)
Macduff → Ross
(Social Fellow Thanes)
Macduff → Macbeth
(Conflict Avenger & Tyrant)
Lady Macbeth → Duncan
(Social Host & Guest)
Macbeth → Banquo
(Professional Fellow Generals)
Macbeth → Duncan
(Power Subject & King)
Macbeth → Lady Macbeth
(Family Husband & Wife)
Story Analysis
A Scottish general's ambition is ignited by a prophecy, leading him to commit regicide and descend into paranoid tyranny before his prophesied downfall.
