Aaron LaPierre

Mrs. Wood

English 11A

22. Feb 2016

Macbeth Characterization Essay

Although Macbeth appeared to be greedy, he was not actually like that.  Before Lady Macbeth’s pressure to commit nefarious acts of murder, Macbeth was seen to be a kind  and brave person.

Macbeth appeared to be greedy in the play.  “I have no spur-To prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition.” (i:VII 25-28)  In these lines Macbeth’s greed is shown to be overwhelming his other traits such as kindness.  “The prince of cumberland: that is a step on which I must fall down, or else o’re leap.” (i:IV 48) Here Macbeth is showing what he know’s he has to do to be king.  He shows desire to be be king.

Macbeth’s true identity is shown is his kindness.  “Yet do I fear thy nature; It is too full oth milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way” (i:V 4-16) Macbeth is showing his that he is truly a kind person, too kind to murder a king.  “Be innocent of knowledge, dearest chuck” As seen in this quote Macbeth cares about the well being of Lady Macbeth and does not want her to have a mind full of scorpions.

Macbeth, a truly brave character, is rarely shown in the light of bravery in the play.  “for brave Macbeth - well he deserves that name” (i:II 16) This is a direct characterization of Macbeth stating that he is brave.  “"I dare do all that may become a man, Who dares do more is none." (i:VII 47-48) Macbeth is characterizing himself as brave.

Macbeth is a round character, unpredictable.  He is also dynamic and ever changing, but Macbeth’s underlying characteristics are those of a kind and brave person.  He does appear to be a greed person but his greed is merely ambition for achieving great things, overrun by his poor mental state.