Macbeth by William Shakespeare – Character Analysis: Macbeth

Macbeth by William Shakespeare – Character Analysis: Macbeth – Ambition, Power, and Moral Collapse

• This resource provides a focused character study of Macbeth in English, tracing his transformation from a brave and honourable warrior to a tyrannical figure destroyed by ambition.
• It examines how unchecked desire for power, combined with external influence and internal weakness, leads to moral corruption, isolation, and tragic downfall.

Key features:

• Describes Macbeth’s initial portrayal as a loyal, courageous soldier admired for his bravery and sense of duty.
• Explains how the witches’ prophecy ignites his ambition and creates an internal moral conflict.
• Analyses Lady Macbeth’s role in manipulating him and accelerating his decision to murder Duncan.
• Explores his progressive moral collapse through paranoia, impulsive violence, tyranny, and hallucinations such as the dagger and Banquo’s ghost.
• Highlights Macbeth’s complex tragic heroism, retaining elements of courage even as his ambition leads to complete destruction.
• Includes an accompanying worksheet to reinforce and practise key concepts.

This resource has been designed for GCSE level students.