Macduff

• Macduff, the Thane of Fife, is Macbeth's deadly enemy. He discovers Duncan's body and becomes Malcolm's chief supporter, following him to England to support him in raising an army against Macbeth. When he learns of the murders of his wife and family, Macduff feels guilty about leaving them and driven by a need for revenge.

  According to the Witches' prediction, Macduff is the only one who can stop Macbeth. The two men meet face-to-face on the battlefield and Macduff kills Macbeth.
• Macduff's first loyalty is to his king and country
• Macduff discovers Duncan's body and reveals the full horror of the murder
• Macduff follows Malcolm (the rightful king) to England and becomes his right-hand man supporting him in his bid to regain the throne
• Malcolm tests Macduff's loyalty by pretending to be a worse human being than Macbeth
• Macduff refuses to give up his loyalty to the Scottish royal family
• Malcolm contrasts the 'integrity' and 'good truth and honour' of Macduff with that of 'Devilish Macbeth'
• Malcolm completely trusts Macduff - 'I put myself to thy direction'
• Macduff wants to rid his country of the tyrant Macbeth and vows to help Malcolm achieve this
• When Macduff learns of the murder of his family, he becomes even more determined to take revenge
• Macduff and Macbeth come face-to-face on the battlefield and Macduff is victorious
• Macduff expresses his eagerness to confront Macbeth in battle, stating:

  • "O, I could play the woman with mine eyes / And braggart with my tongue! But gentle heavens, / Cut short all intermission. Front to front / Bring thou this fiend of Scotland and myself; / Within my sword's length set him; if he scape, / Heaven forgive him too." (Act 4 Scene 3)
• Macduff is described as a man of few words who prefers to take action rather than engage in lengthy speeches or emotional displays
• Instead of lamenting his loss or boasting about his intentions, Macduff eagerly awaits the moment when he can confront Macbeth and seek vengeance