Meet Macbeth

Macbeth is indirectly characterized by Sergeant in Act I Scene II. He parallels the "common war hero" seen in most literature works. Macbeth is characterized as "brave," which he accordingly deserves. Macbeth, unlike others, has (consciousness) self-reflection. The witches contribute marginally to the audience, foreshadowing clear in the text. They tell Macbeth about the trouble that Lady Macbeth will cause, warning him about her ambition and lack of self-reflection. They also allude to Lady Macbeth's shaming of his masculinity and her easy manipulation of his emotions. Unlike having scenes play out alongside the characters, Shakespeare uses the witches as "godlike figures" (yes, dichotomy is hard on that one). He gives the witches the power of seers, gives them the strength to act as puppeteers (all-knowing).