Macbeth and his wife cannot be easily characterized as villains. In Act One Macbeth's eagerness to share the good news of what is to come with his wife is evident. They are a devoted team. He calls her "his dearest partner of greatness." He truly loves her and appreciates all she has done for him. In the beginning of the play Macbeth is a brave and courageous man. He is one of Duncan's most glorious generals and has extraordinary courage. After the witches first approach him and tell him about the future and he wonders if he must take fate into his own hands by killing Duncan he is terrified. Afterward though, he fears to accept the real and the supernatural consequences of his actions. Because Shakespeare focused so much on Macbeth's courage in the beginning of the play Macbeth's panic and psychological anguish seems exaggerated later. Lady Macbeth is certainly aware that her husband has a reputation of a fearless solider and she uses dazzling psychology to coax her husband into killing Duncan; she "dares" him to do "all that may become a man." Macbeth, afraid of being called a coward, goes along with Lady Macbeth's plan. In Act Two Macbeth doesn't immediately kill Duncan though, he battles with his inner instincts that "chance" may crown him king. Macbeth is also a gentle man. Before killing Duncan Macbeth cites Duncan's great qualities. He knows that if her were to murder Duncan then someone in turn would try to murder him. After Macbeth has killed Duncan he tries to avoid killing anyone else. Throughout the play Macbeth tries to avoid killing Macduff. In Act Four, Scene One Macbeth seems reassured by the Second Apparition, saying "Then live, Macduff: what need I fear of thee?" Later he says of Macduff in Act Five, Scene Eight "of all men else I have avoided thee." He has tried to spare Macduff's life. Macbeth also ...