Macbeth is a warrior and a brave leader at the beginning of the drama, but he falls victim to the witches' predictions. It is not known whether they plant ideas in his mind or if they simply highlight thoughts that he has already had.

After committing a murder, his actions become less heroic and more cowardly as he continues to kill and terrorize others in order to keep his power over him. Towards the end of the play, when he realizes he is doomed, he briefly reverts to his old heroic self.

Ambitious: Early in the game, Macbeth quickly becomes the most powerful Thane of Cawdor and then kills his way to becoming and remaining King of Scotland. The witches' predictions seem to awaken his ambition already in him and he is spurred on by his wife.

Courageous: At the start of the show, Macbeth shows himself to be a mighty warrior as he leads the Scottish troops to victory over an invading force. At the end of the game, when he knows he is dying.

Variable: Macbeth keeps changing his mind about whether to kill Duncan or not.

Dirty conscience: During the game, Macbeth is haunted by thoughts of the evil things he has done.