Macbeth Banquo Character Analysis

Throughout the play, Banquo’s role is show how far Macbeth has fallen from his old self. In the beginning of the story, Macbeth and Banquo are soldier and good friends. Banquo is smart and inquisitive. He questions the witches when Macbeth was silent. He also doubts Macbeth later on showing that he will not be blinded to what is happening by his friendship with Macbeth. It is because of Banquo’s wisdom that Macbeth is scared of him. Banquo knows the prophecies from the witches; he would be able to tell others about them. If Banquo were to do this, people would discover that Macbeth is responsible for Duncan’s death. Macbeth now sees Banquo as a threat. This leads to Banquo’s murder. Banquo’s purpose is to be Macbeth’s foil and demonstrate his decent to evil and murderous ways.

“Merciful powers,/ Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature/ Gives way to in repose.”

The first quote is from act 2 scene 1 line 8 and page 24. Banquo is saying this quote. He is talking to himself but his son, Fleance is present. The audience has just been introduced to Banquo’s son. Earlier in the story, we learned that …show more content…
The speaker is Macbeth. He is talking to two murderers. Throughout the play, Macbeth has grown increasingly worried about Banquo. His old friend knows the prophecies and could tell others. Banquo, himself, got a prophecy about how his family will rule. For this to happen, Macbeth would have to loose his own title as king. Macbeth knows that Banquo is wise and influential. Macbeth decides to hire murderers to kill Banquo and his son, Fleance who is an innocent child that is unaware of the prophecy. This quote reinforces the idea that Banquo and Macbeth are character opposites. It also shows how far Macbeth has fallen from his previous moral standings. Macbeth was introduced as a moral warrior who had killed a traitor. Macbeth went from being good friends with Banquo to killing his best friend to stay in