Character Sketch from ISC Class 11 English Drama Macbeth Act 1 Scene 5 of Macbeth, Lady Macbeth and a Messenger

 

A character sketch defines what the character is like and how he/she evolves or develops throughout the story. In this post you can find the Character Sketch of Macbeth, Lady Macbeth and a Messenger from ISC Class 11 English Drama Macbeth Act 1 Scene 5

 

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Character Sketch of Macbeth

Macbeth enters the scene after Lady Macbeth has decided that they will kill Duncan. He is still excited about the prophecy and his new title, ‘Thane of Cawdor’. He tells his wife that King Duncan is coming to their castle that night and plans to leave the next day. He is not yet ready to commit murder, and he is clearly hesitant. However, he is quickly influenced by his wife. He doesn’t say much about the murder plan itself, mostly listening to Lady Macbeth, who ends the scene by telling him to look innocent but be ready to act, leaving the details to her.

 

Questions related to the Character of Macbeth

Q1. Why is Macbeth excited?
Q2. Who releases Macbeth from his hesitation to commit murder? How?

 

Character Sketch of Lady Macbeth

Lady Macbeth is the first and most important character we see in this scene. She is Macbeth’s wife and is reading a letter from him that tells her about the witches’ prophecies that he will be Thane of Cawdor and King. She is very ambitious and immediately decides that they must murder King Duncan so Macbeth can become king right away. She fears her husband is too kind and not ruthless enough to do the deed. She prays to evil spirits to take away her femininity and fill her with cruelty so she can carry out the murder. When Macbeth arrives, she takes charge, telling him that she will handle the plan to kill the King and that he must hide his murderous intentions behind a welcoming face.

 

Questions related to the character of Lady Macbeth

Q1. Describe the character of Lady Macbeth.
Q2. What fears does Lady Macbeth hold for her husband?

 

Character Sketch of a Messenger

A Messenger appears briefly in this scene. His only job is to bring the news to Lady Macbeth that King Duncan is arriving at their castle later that evening, and that Macbeth is also on his way. This news is what immediately sparks Lady Macbeth’s final, desperate plans for murder, as the King’s visit gives them the perfect opportunity to act.

 

Questions related to the character of a Messenger

Q1. What major role does the messenger perform?
Q2. What news from the messenger sparks Lady Macbeth’s plan for the murder?