Duncan's Function

• To demostrate the positive qualities of a king chosen by God, reinforcing the idea of the Divine Right of Kings. Duncan is pure, noble and loved by his subjects
• To illustrate the importance of loyalty to the king to ensure political security and moral order, and the consequences of regicide which led to chaos and tyranny
• To show the dangers of an over trusting nature, which can result in betrayal
• Along with the witches, Duncan's choice of his eldest son, Malcolm, as his successor, feeds Macbeth's over-ambition, which results in tragedy