Banquo

• Act 1, Scene 3: 'rapt withal'


  While Macbeth is taken aback by The Witches and their prophecies, Banquo is not only suspicious but also aware of the affect they have had on Macbeth.

  Adjective 'rapt' indicates Macbeth is almost in a trance due to The Witches words.

  The fact Banquo is not taken aback indicates his mental intelligence and shows how role as a foil character to Macbeth.
• Act 1, Scene 3: 'If you can look into the seeds of time and say which grain will grow and which will not'


  Repeated imagery to do with the natural world like nouns 'seeds' and 'grow' and noun 'grow' aligns him with being a good character.

  Contrasts with the animalistic imagery used to describe Macbeth.
• Act 3, Scene 1: 'But that myself should be the root and father'


  Displays his ambition but presents it as healthy unlike Macbeth's corrupt ambition.

  Macbeth has to act with violence for the prophecies to come true, whereas Banquo does not.

  Noun 'root' is natural imagery presenting him as good.
• Act 3, Scene 1: 'May them not be my oracles aswell, and set me up in hope?'


  Again shows how Banquo has ambition, but still retains his morality, unlike Macbeth.

  Displays his role as a foil character to Macbeth as he shows the audience how a good character would react in contrast to Macbeth.
• Act 3, Scene 3: 'Fly, good Fleance, Fly, Fly Fly!'


  Presents Banquo as a moral character as he is willing to sacrifice himself to save his son.

  His urgency and care is shown through repetition of 'fly' and the use of exclamation mark.

  Banquo and Macbeth's differences are shown all the way to his death. Banquo cares for others, while Macbeth only cares for ambition.