Welcome to this deck on the character of Macbeth. We will trace his tragic journey from a celebrated hero to a despised tyrant. You will learn the key quotations that reveal his ambition, his psychological decline, and his ultimate despair. Each lesson is designed to give you the evidence and analysis you need to write a top-grade exam essay.

When we first hear of Macbeth in Act 1, he is not on stage. Instead, a wounded captain describes his actions in battle. This is a deliberate choice by Shakespeare to build up our image of Macbeth as a heroic, loyal, and exceptionally brave warrior before we even meet him. This initial portrayal is crucial for understanding how far he falls.

Macbeth's downfall begins when he and Banquo meet the three witches. Their prophecies—that he will be Thane of Cawdor and then King—ignite a hidden ambition within him. The first prophecy comes true almost immediately, which makes Macbeth believe the second is not just possible, but destined. This is the moment his loyalty to King Duncan begins to waver.