Duncan

• Who is Duncan in the play?

  Duncan is the King at the start
• What qualities describe Duncan's character?

  He is kind and generous
• What does Duncan do for Macbeth and Malcolm?

  He rewards their loyalty with honours
• How do others perceive Duncan?

  No one has a bad word to say about him
• What does Macbeth say about Duncan's virtues?

  They "Will plead like angels"
• What is Duncan's main flaw?

  He is too trusting
• How does Duncan's trust in Macbeth affect him?

  He doesn't suspect Macbeth's plotting
• How does Duncan describe the Thane of Cawdor?

  As "a gentleman on whom I built/ An absolute trust"
• What action does Duncan take when betrayed by the Thane of Cawdor?

  He executes the Thane of Cawdor
• What are Duncan's key characteristics as a king?

  • Kind: "let me enfold thee/And hold thee to my heart"
  • Trusting: "There's no art/ To find the mind's construction in the face"
  • A good king: "So clear in his great office"
• How does Duncan's kindness manifest in his relationships?

  He expresses affection and loyalty
• What does Duncan's trusting nature lead to in the play?

  It leads to his downfall
• How does Duncan's execution of the Thane of Cawdor reflect his character?

  It shows he can be firm when needed
• How does Shakespeare present Duncan in the play?

  As a model king who is kind, honest, and fair
• What does Duncan's use of plant imagery symbolize?

  His nurturing nature towards his subjects
• What does Macbeth say about Duncan's leadership?

  He has many virtues as a leader
• How does Macduff describe Duncan?

  As "a most sainted king"
• What qualities does Malcolm say a good king should have?

  "Stableness", "mercy", and "justice"
• How does Duncan prioritize Scotland's needs?

  He puts them ahead of his own needs
• How does Duncan's character contrast with Macbeth's?

  Duncan is kind, while Macbeth is a tyrant
• What are the key characteristics of a good king according to the play?

  • Kindness
  • Honesty
  • Fairness
  • Nurturing
  • Stableness
  • Mercy
  • Justice
• What is the audience reminded of regarding kings in the play?

  Kings were thought to be chosen by God
• How is Duncan different from Macbeth and Macduff?

  Duncan is gentle and less aggressive
• What does Duncan do instead of fighting himself?

  He sends his best soldiers to fight
• How does Duncan express his emotions?

  He shows "drops of sorrow" and "gentle senses"
• What might Duncan's emotional expression suggest about his character?

  It may be seen as unmanly
• What does Shakespeare's symbolism reveal about Duncan's qualities?

  • Duncan lacks traditional manliness
  • He is kind, fair, and generous
  • Challenges the notion of a good leader needing violence
• What question does Shakespeare raise about leadership through Duncan's character?

  Does a good leader need to be violent?