In William Shakespeare's Macbeth, the hero evolves tragically from "valour's minion1" who saved his country from invaders, to a "tyrant2", who had children murdered to secure his power. By definition, a tragic hero, such as Macbeth, is ruined by a fatal flaw. It is not the heart of an evil man, but rather political ambition and misplaced confidence, combined with a weakness to manipulation, that fuel this weak character's demise.
             Initially, Macbeth does not harbour malevolent intentions. He is "Belloma's bridegroom3", a war hero viewed most admirably by his comrades and superiors. Loyal Macbeth lays his life on the line for his king and his country, hardly seeming like one who would commit regicide. In contrast to this display of fortitude, Macbeth exhibits weakness during his first encounter with the weird sisters.
             Greeting Macbeth as Thane of Cawdor and king, the witches spark his restless ambition. Unlike Banquo, who declares one who trusts such prophecy "takes reason prisoner4", Macbeth is tempted by their news, and begs to know more. Upon receiving the title Thane of Cawdor, Macbeth's impulsive side surfaces for the first time as he entertains thoughts "whose murder is yet fantastical5". However, he does not commit himself entirely to crime, hoping that "chance may crown6" him.
             The witches are not the only ones from whom Macbeth draws confidence. Motivated to the point of summoning evil to help her execute the murder, Lady Macbeth seems to be more focused on the task than her husband. The two implicate themselves in a plot to murder Duncan. Knowing Macbeth is filled with "milk of human kindness7", she appeals to his sense of manliness to motivate him to go through with the deed. This painless manipulation on the part of Lady Macbeth further illustrates how weakened Macbeth is by his ambition. His desires are ...