Character Sketch from ISC Class 11 English Drama Macbeth Act 1 Scene 4 of King Duncan, Macbeth, Manquo, Malcolm, Donalbain, Lennox, Ross, and Angus

 

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 King Duncan, Macbeth, Manquo, Malcolm, Donalbain, Lennox, Ross, and Angus from ISC Class 11 English Drama Macbeth Act 1 Scene 4

 

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Character Sketch of King Duncan

Duncan is presented as a kind, generous, and deeply emotional king. He is full of thanks for Macbeth and Banquo, feeling that he can never repay them enough for their heroism in battle. His major flaw, however, is his inability to judge people. He speaks about the traitor, the previous Thane of Cawdor, saying, ‘He was a gentleman on whom I built / An absolute trust.’ Immediately after this, he puts the same ‘absolute trust’ in Macbeth, which is heavy with dramatic irony. His decision to name his son, Malcolm, the Prince of Cumberland, is meant to be a joyful occasion, but it becomes the catalyst for Macbeth’s dark thoughts.

 

Questions related to the Character of King Duncan

Q1. Describe King Duncan.
Q2. What is Duncan’s biggest flaw?

 

Character Sketch of Macbeth

Macbeth enters the scene as the loyal, victorious warrior. He speaks humble words, assuring Duncan that the honor of serving the King is payment enough: ‘The service and the loyalty I owe, / In doing it, pays itself.’ This is his public face. However, the King’s next action of naming Malcolm as heir, sends Macbeth into a rage of private ambition. In an aside, he calls Malcolm a ‘step’ he must ‘overleap’. He reveals his truly evil intentions by saying: ‘Stars, hide your fires, / Let not light see my black and deep desires.’ This scene marks the moment his wicked thoughts solidify into a concrete plan for murder.

 

Questions related to the Character of Macbeth

Q1. What causes rage in Macbeth?
Q2. How does Macbeth reveal his evil intentions?

 

Character Sketch of Banquo

Banquo is also honored by the King for his bravery. He is gracious and calm, accepting the King’s praise without the internal turmoil that Macbeth experiences. When Duncan says he wants to ‘plant’ Banquo and make him grow, Banquo replies with a wise and loyal metaphor: ‘There, if I grow, / The harvest is your own.’ This shows he is happy to owe his success entirely to the King. Banquo’s steady loyalty and goodness serve as a direct contrast to Macbeth’s rising darkness.

 

Character Sketch of Banquo

Q1. How does Banquo react on being honoured by the king?
Q2. Whom does Banquo owe his success to?

 

Character Sketch of Malcolm

Malcolm is King Duncan’s eldest son. In this scene, he gives a clear and composed account of the previous traitor’s execution. His report shows him to be mature and reliable. Duncan then gives him the title ‘Prince of Cumberland,’ which officially makes him the heir to the Scottish throne. While he is happy, this new title instantly turns him into a major obstacle for Macbeth, marking him for danger.

 

Questions related to the Character of Malcolm

Q1. What are the qualities of Malcolm?
Q2. What title is bestowed upon Malcolm?

 

Character Sketch of Donalbain, Lennox, Ross, and Angus

These lords and attendants are present in the King’s court. They serve to create a formal, royal atmosphere for the scene. They do not speak, but their presence emphasizes the public nature of Duncan’s announcements and the loyalty that surrounds the King, a loyalty Macbeth is about to betray.

 

Questions related to the Character of Donalbain, Lennox, Ross, and Angus

Q1. Describe the royal attendants?
Q2. How does Macbeth intend to betray the loyal attendants?