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Lady Macbeth

Lady Macbeth is the most interesting and complex character in the play. She is, in fact, the point on which the action pivots: without her there is no play.

Macbeth’s most interesting and complex character is most certainly, as the question states, Lady Macbeth. The purpose of this essay is to describe Lady Macbeth’s role in the play and discuss why this makes her the most fascinating character. Her evil doings are the main reasons why she dominates the plot so greatly. These include the following: considers Macbeth to be a wimp not wanting to murder; letting Macbeth fulfill her plan; taking control over Macbeth’s thoughts and actions; turning Macbeth from a loyal man to a greedy, coldhearted human being. Also Lady Macbeth’s transformation in character and her relationship with Macbeth contribute to her importance.

Lady Macbeth satisfies her role among the high society and is well respected like her husband. The King of Scotland, King Duncan, calls her “our honoured hostess.” She shows great affection towards Macbeth but at the same time very ambitious, as shown by her reaction to the prophecies given to him. She immediately decides that “the fastest way” for Macbeth to become king is to murder King Duncan.

When Lady Macbeth hears of the prophecies given to her husband her true character is exposed for the audience to see. Lady Macbeth persuades Macbeth to go and make the prophecy true that he will become king. Macbeth‘s thoughts on the prophecy before his wife’s intervention was that “If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me without my stir”, this meaning Macbeth thought the prophecy would become reality without him doing anything. Lady Macbeth tells her husband that “Is too full of the human kindness” which means she considers him to be a “wimp” and that she’ll have to do it all herself. Lady Macbeth’s actions shape the first two acts which proves she is the point on...