Authority is represented in many different ways in the drama of the Renaissance period. Looking different leaders in the different texts and the way that they use their power and authority and how it affects the other characters in the plays one can see this.
             In Shakespeare's play Macbeth, one can see very clearly how authority is represented and the methods and principles behind the power. The plot involves Macbeth trying to gain more power, but it is actually Lady Macbeth that is trying to gain the power. Lady Macbeth tries to convince Macbeth to kill Duncan so that he will become king in his place. Macbeth also is persuaded to kill anyone who threatens his chances of being king, including Banquo. Power is used by certain characters in the play to influence others. One such character is Lady Macbeth. In the beginning of the play, she is a strong-willed character. She takes on the role of a dominant male. She has great influence over her husband, who appears to be weaker than she is. It is her influence that convinces Macbeth to murder Duncan. Lady Macbeth is the dominant partner at the beginning of the play, and thus the one with the most authority. She persuades Macbeth to achieve his goal, and she plans the murder of Duncan. Lady Macbeth takes the role of the dominant partner in the beginning of the play, by acting as the real power and authority behind the throne. For example, it is easily recognized that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are opposite in many ways. He is weak, indecisive, and takes on the traditional female role of the marriage; she is strong, decisive, and takes on the traditional male role. One place in the play where Macbeth's character is shown is Act I, Scene 5, Lines 15-17. She says, "Glamis thou art, and Cawdor, and shalt be What thou art promis'd : yet do I fear thy nature Is too full o' the milk of human kindness." This is just after Lady Macbeth receives the letter from Macbeth...