Malcolm

• Malcolm represents stability and lawfulness, similar to his father
• Duncan represents an old guard representation of the past, while Malcolm's prospects speak to the future
• Malcolm would extend Duncan’s reign directly, offering a possibility of future peace
• When Duncan is killed, Malcolm's life presents a challenge to Macbeth’s reign, leading him to leave Scotland for fear of being killed
• In Act IV, Malcolm and Macduff discuss leadership and their loyalty and love for Scotland
• Malcolm initially admits his own shortcomings to gauge Macduff’s loyalty
• A tyrant like Macbeth seeks power for power’s sake, lacking the loyalty of those who put the nation first
• Malcolm recruits Macduff to join him in destroying Macbeth after his family is killed
• Malcolm decides to do what is necessary to stop the usurper, while still holding onto his humanity
• Macduff encourages Malcolm not to lose sight over what has been lost, emphasizing the importance of grief over revenge
• The play ends with Malcolm being sworn in as king, exploring the contrast between proper inheritance of title versus stealing it
• Malcolm's duty and responsibility prompt him to do what is right for the nation, contrasting with Macbeth's bloodthirsty actions
• Malcolm is the king by divine rule, while Macbeth is a usurper
• The coronation of Malcolm reinforces the legitimacy of the line of succession, offering a chance for stability and just rulership