In William Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Macbeth, Macbeth, the protagonist, undergoes a series of character changes. As the situation intensifies and he grows increasingly confident with using and even abusing his power, he resorts to progressively more drastic actions. Macbeth's motivation changes from simple ambition, to necessity and finally ruthless desperation or remote insanity.
             On his return home from dutifully defending his beloved king, Duncan, Macbeth is informed of three prophecies by three witches. These "imperfect speakers" great him with the titles: Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and King. At this point in time, Macbeth's imagination is first awakens and he begins to wonder if such a think might ever befall him as a reality. Shortly after this encounter with the witches, Macbeth is greeted with his new title Thane of Cawdor, because of the treachery from the last one. It is evident at this point that Macbeth's thoughts have shifted to the possibilities that his new title infers when he says, "This supernatural soliciting Cannot be ill, cannot be good. If ill, Why hath it given me earnest of success, Commencing in a truth? I am Thane of Cawdor." During the celebration of Macbeth's valiant victory and his newly earned title, Duncan announces the Prince of Cumberland or next heir to the thorn. Macbeth's reaction demonstrates his new impulse, "The Prince of Cumberland! That is a step on which I must fall down, or else o'erleap, For in my way it lies." Later that evening while planning the murder of Kind Duncan, Macbeth explains his only reason for his upcoming act of treachery is his ambition to become king, "That tears shall drown the wind. I have no spur To prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself And falls on th' other---"
             After Duncan's murder, Macbeth becomes aware of the ...