end and he is cut down in battle.
             Lady Macbeth: Married to Macbeth, Lady Macbeth compels Macbeth to ensure his destiny through murder and deceit. Lady Macbeth is seen as a villainous character that though she states that she will not be feminine in her pursuit for power, uses her sexuality and sexual relationship with Macbeth to press forward her plans for him to be king. Her relationship with Macbeth is a complex one. She at times pushes him talking of his weaknesses. At other times she realizes that she is alone with only her husband as company. Although she is a villain, again like Macbeth, she does retain her conscience which in the end drives her to obsessive nightmares famously thinking the blood of King Duncan will not come off of her hand, shrieking, "Out damn spot", revealing her guilt to her doctor. Ultimately she commits suicide when she is overcome with that guilt.
             The Three Witches: Show themselves in the beginning of the play foretelling the tragedy that is about to unfold. In rhymes and chants they tell Macbeth that he will become Thane (lord) of Cawdor and King of Scotland. This prediction consumes Macbeth and starts him on his path of ruination.
             Hecate: Queen of the witches. Many scholars believe that she was added to the story years later by another author.
             Duncan, King of Scotland: A king that at first views Macbeth is a gallant warrior who saves his kingdom from invasion. He bestows the title Thane of Cawdor on Macbeth. Macbeth later murders Duncan in his sleep.
             Banquo: A general in King Duncan's army. He is with Macbeth when they receive their prophecies from the three witches. Unlike Macbeth he does not act on this information. Macbeth hires men and has Banquo killed.
             Macduff: Is another Scottish noble who comes into opposition with Macbeth. Macbeth has his wife and children killed after he flees to England. He vows to take Macbeth's life in revenge of their deaths. Macduff is the one in the end ...