Name five important characters in Macbeth, Act 1, and explain why they are important.

Act I includes these key
characters:

1. King Duncan: His murder drives the
   play; his goodness makes Macbeth's regicide even more
   abominable.


2. Macbeth: He is the central figure, the
   protagonist, in the play.


3. Banquo: As a foil to Macbeth,
   Banquo is especially important; his murder later in the play shows Macbeth's further
   descent into evil.


4. Lady Macbeth: As Macbeth's wife, her
   character is very important; she plans Duncan's murder and exerts tremendous influence
   upon Macbeth to follow through. Without Lady Macbreth, Macbeth might not have actually
   killed the king.


5. Malcolm: As King Duncan's son, Malcolm
   is the rightful heir to the Scottish throne; after killing Duncan, Macbeth casts guilt
   on Malcolm and his brother, forcing them to leave Scotland; Malcolm will not give up
   until Macbeth is defeated.