Duncan

• How does Duncan show firm leadership at the start of the play?

  Duncan orders the execution of the Thane of Cawdor, who is a traitor
• Give a piece of evidence from the play to suggest that Duncan is:

  1. Generous
  2. Fatherly

  3. Duncan rewards Macbeth for his bravery by making him Thane of cawdor
  4. Duncan is fatherly when he tells Banquo he will "hold thee to my heart"
• Describe how Duncan's trusting nature leads him to misjudge people.

  Duncan trusts Macbeth and so does not realise that he intends to betray him.
• Do you think Duncan and Macbeth are similar or different characters?

  Duncan and MAcbeth are very different characters. Duncan is generous and acts on behalf of his country, but Macbeth is selfish, referring to himself as "high-placed Macbeth" and acting for his own benefit. Duncan trusts those around him, whilst Macbeth is paranoid and kills several people to keep his position as king.
• 'Duncan's weakness is to blame for Scotland's downfall' Do you agree with this statement?

  • Duncan trusts Macbeth too easily, so doesn't think that he will betray him. If he had realised the danger he was in, he could have prevented Macbeth's reign of tyranny
  • Macbeth and Lady Macbeth deliberately trick Duncan, which suggests that they, rather than Duncan's weakness, are to blame for Scotland's downfall