Characters in "Macbeth"

Many characters in "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare were deceitful and hypocritical. Through out the story, there were many people who tricked others into believing they had a friendship, but consequently those people ended up dead. Deceit and hypocrisy mean that appearances cannot always be trusted, and this was evident particularly through the character of Lady Macbeth. Using manipulation with King Duncan, hypocrisy with her own husband, Macbeth, and by letting everyone think that Macbeth is ill, when it is only his guilt that upsets him, Lady Macbeth is proven to be possibly the center of all deceit in Macbeth.

Lady Macbeth lies to and manipulates King Duncan into believing that she is a caring, generous, and honest person. She acts as a deceiver when she invites King Duncan to come to the castle for a night. "Only look up clear, to alter favor ever is to fear. Leave all the rest to me."

Lady Macbeth by George Cattermole.

The sleepwalking Lady Macbeth

Sarah Siddons in the Sleepwalking Scene

(Lady Macbeth 1:6 pg. 35) Lady Macbeth prepares the house for Duncan's arrival, taking all the work upon herself, and letting King Duncan believe that they have a nice, quiet life at the castle. This is proven to be true when Duncan compliments the house: "This castle hath a pleasant seat. The air nimbly and sweetly recommends itself into our gentle senses." (Duncan 1:6 pg. 35) Lady Macbeth, by dishonestly inviting King Duncan to the castle, is a deceitful character in Macbeth.

Lady Macbeth can be shown as a hypocrite in Macbeth. Although Lady Macbeth and her husband have invited Duncan and his men into their castle as a friendly gesture, it is not friendly at all. That night, while everyone is sleeping, Lady Macbeth has planned to murder King Duncan, with Macbeth's help. As they move forward with this treacherous act,