Character Sketch from ISC Class 11 English Drama Macbeth Act 2 Scene 1 of Macbeth, Banquo, Fleance and Servant
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, Banquo, Fleance and Servant from ISC Class 11 English Drama Macbeth Act 2 Scene 1
- Character Sketch of Macbeth
- Questions related to the Character of Macbeth
- Character Sketch of Banquo
- Questions related to the character of Banquo
- Character Sketch of Fleance
- Questions related to the character of Fleance
- Character Sketch of Servant
- Questions related to the character of Servant
Related:
Character Sketch of Macbeth
This scene marks a critical turning point for Macbeth. He is alone and wrestling with the decision to murder King Duncan. While waiting for the signal from his wife, he experiences a terrifying hallucination, he sees a bloody dagger floating in the air, pointing him toward the King’s chamber. This vision shows his immense guilt, anxiety, and the psychological stress of the impending murder. Despite his mental turmoil, he reaffirms his commitment to the deed. He also speaks to Banquo, pretending that he hasn’t thought about the witches’ prophecies, even though the thought of killing the King is consuming him. He then suggests to Banquo that they should discuss the prophecies later, hinting at a reward if Banquo supports him.
Questions related to the Character of Macbeth
Q1. Why is Macbeth uneasy?
Q2. Comment on Macbeth’s state in connection with the act that he is about to commit.
Character Sketch of Banquo
Banquo is presented as a man of great integrity, but he is clearly disturbed by the witches’ predictions. He tells Fleance that he is troubled by ‘cursed thoughts’ that come to him in his sleep, revealing that he is also tempted by the prophecy that his children will be kings. He meets Macbeth and explains that King Duncan is asleep, happy, and has sent a diamond to Lady Macbeth as a gift. Banquo then admits to Macbeth that he dreamed of the ‘three Weird Sisters’ but states his allegiance remains clear, indicating that he will not sacrifice his honor or loyalty to gain power, even if he is tempted. This sets up Banquo as the moral foil to Macbeth.
Questions related to the Character of Banquo
Q1. How does Banquo display his morals?
Q2. What differentiates Banquo from Macbeth?
Character Sketch of Fleance
Fleance is Banquo’s young son. His role in this scene is small but important. He carries a torch for his father and answers his questions about the time, establishing that it is very late at night. His presence reminds the audience of the witches’ prophecy that Banquo’s line, not Macbeth’s, will eventually rule Scotland. This prophecy is a core source of Macbeth’s later paranoia and actions against Banquo and Fleance.
Questions related to the Character of Fleance
Q1. What does Fleance do for his father?
Q2. Establish the relation between Fleance and the prophesy.
Character Sketch of Servant
A Servant enters briefly with Macbeth. Macbeth instructs him to tell Lady Macbeth to ring a bell when his drink is ready, which is actually the prearranged signal for him to proceed with Duncan’s murder. The Servant immediately exits, unaware of the sinister purpose behind the simple instruction.
Questions related to the Character of Servant
Q1. What role does the servant perform?
Q2. How can we deduce that the servant is unaware of the sinister plan?