In Macbeth, Shakespeare uses his minor characters as tools to further develop the plot and conflict of the play. The word “minor” should not in any way determine the importance of any character. It is best to look at how that character motivates or interacts with the major characters; be it in a positive or negative way. Though the three murderers, Hecate, and Ross appear for a brief moment, change the course of the story, and then disappear from our sight and minds, they need the recognition that they deserve. To begin with, Macbeth persuades, or orders, three murderers to kill Banquo and his son Fleance. He does so, because according to the witches’ prophecy, Banquo’s descendants will inherit the throne and become kings. The three murderers
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She is the one who makes the witches present Macbeth 's fortune in a way that suggests success for him, but actually leads him to his downfall. Also, she makes the most important foreshadowing prophecy: “He shall spurn fate, scorn death, and bear His hopes 'bove wisdom, grace, and fear. And you all know, security Is mortals ' chiefest enemy” (III,v,30-33). In other words, Macbeth will be fooled into thinking that he is invincible and greater than fate, but as we all know, overconfidence is man’s greatest enemy. Before this point, Macbeth was extremely paranoid and in constant worry that his kingship would be ruined, but with Hecate’s apparition spell, Macbeth gains a newfound confidence. His new outlook is the outcome of the second apparition that suggests that Macbeth “Be bloody, bold, and resolute. Laugh to scorn The power of man, for none of woman born Shall harm [him]” (IV,i,81-83). Interpreting that no one alive can harm him, because every human is born from a woman, Macbeth becomes smug and believes himself to be superior; hence, every action from here on out is cold blooded and malicious. Hecate manages to change the entire plot in her short …show more content…
The plot starts when he tells King Duncan that the thane of Cawdor has betrayed him and fought on the kerns and gallowglasses side. Ross reports, "assisted by the most disloyal traitor, the thane of Cawdor, began a dismal conflict"(I,II,52). Not only did he report the thane’s betrayal, but also reports on Macbeth’s heroism. He compared Macbeth’s bravery with that of the goddess of war 's husband 'Bellona 's bridegroom '. He credits him completely for their victory and praises him lavishly. Ross 's description of Macbeth motivates King Duncan to kill the current thane and give the title of 'Thane of Cawdor ' to Macbeth by saying "go pronounce his present death and with his former title greet Macbeth."(I,II,64). Ross does not only deliver messages; he also gives Macbeth the clothing needed for his position as the thane of Cawdor. If it were not for Ross’s report to the King, Macbeth would probably not even be considered for the title; thus, not fulfilling the prophecy that started it all. Also, Ross seems to know about everything that is going on in the play and plays the messenger for everyone throughout the play. For example, Ross tells Lady Macduff that Macduff has left to England, and that they are also in danger. Then, after the murderers killed Lady Macduff and her son, Ross goes to England to tell Macduff. Similarly, he tells Old Siward that his son has died. Furthermore, in
She is the one who makes the witches present Macbeth 's fortune in a way that suggests success for him, but actually leads him to his downfall. Also, she makes the most important foreshadowing prophecy: “He shall spurn fate, scorn death, and bear His hopes 'bove wisdom, grace, and fear. And you all know, security Is mortals ' chiefest enemy” (III,v,30-33). In other words, Macbeth will be fooled into thinking that he is invincible and greater than fate, but as we all know, overconfidence is man’s greatest enemy. Before this point, Macbeth was extremely paranoid and in constant worry that his kingship would be ruined, but with Hecate’s apparition spell, Macbeth gains a newfound confidence. His new outlook is the outcome of the second apparition that suggests that Macbeth “Be bloody, bold, and resolute. Laugh to scorn The power of man, for none of woman born Shall harm [him]” (IV,i,81-83). Interpreting that no one alive can harm him, because every human is born from a woman, Macbeth becomes smug and believes himself to be superior; hence, every action from here on out is cold blooded and malicious. Hecate manages to change the entire plot in her short …show more content…
The plot starts when he tells King Duncan that the thane of Cawdor has betrayed him and fought on the kerns and gallowglasses side. Ross reports, "assisted by the most disloyal traitor, the thane of Cawdor, began a dismal conflict"(I,II,52). Not only did he report the thane’s betrayal, but also reports on Macbeth’s heroism. He compared Macbeth’s bravery with that of the goddess of war 's husband 'Bellona 's bridegroom '. He credits him completely for their victory and praises him lavishly. Ross 's description of Macbeth motivates King Duncan to kill the current thane and give the title of 'Thane of Cawdor ' to Macbeth by saying "go pronounce his present death and with his former title greet Macbeth."(I,II,64). Ross does not only deliver messages; he also gives Macbeth the clothing needed for his position as the thane of Cawdor. If it were not for Ross’s report to the King, Macbeth would probably not even be considered for the title; thus, not fulfilling the prophecy that started it all. Also, Ross seems to know about everything that is going on in the play and plays the messenger for everyone throughout the play. For example, Ross tells Lady Macduff that Macduff has left to England, and that they are also in danger. Then, after the murderers killed Lady Macduff and her son, Ross goes to England to tell Macduff. Similarly, he tells Old Siward that his son has died. Furthermore, in