Overview

• presents King Duncan as a kind, fair, and noble ruler who is deeply respected by his people.
• He rewards loyalty and bravery, as seen when he praises Macbeth for his heroism in battle.
• Duncan’s trusting nature, however, makes him vulnerable.
• he misjudges those around him and is betrayed by Macbeth, whom he sees as a loyal subject.
• Through Duncan, Shakespeare highlights the qualities of a good king and contrasts them with Macbeth’s tyrannical rule.
• His murder marks the turning point in the play, showing how the destruction of order and goodness leads to chaos and tragedy.