Character Report
Ross
1.
What does your character want in this scene?
Ross
wants to tell Macbeth that he has become the new Thane of Cawdor. He views
Macbeth's promotion as an opportunity to improve his political standing, as
well.
2. What is your character’s motivation for doing what he or she does?
His
motivation is to reward Macbeth for his services to the land of Scotland. Ross
aims to earn the friendship of the new Thane of Cawdor. In other words, Ross'
electricity toward Macbeth results from his desire for political power.
3. What obstacles stand in his or her way?
Ross
is first fronted by Angus. The fellow messenger ridicules Ross for his overly
jovial mood in merely delivering news. In fact, Angus equates Ross' behavior to
a bribe, asserting to Macbeth and Banquo that the announcement is to "not
pay thee." In addition, Macbeth's eerie reaction to such news stands as an
obstacle to Ross' objective. Chiefly, the play's protagonist questions the
nature of his new title, saying that Scotland already has a Thane of Cawdor.
After being officially crowned, Macbeth then refers to Ross and Angus' duties
as "pains," which implies that he failed to grasp Ross' underlying
intentions.
4. What happens when your character confronts these obstacles?
Ross
fails to respond, as the conversation turns to the possible validity of the
prophecy. Macbeth and Banquo finish the scene, while Ross and Angus walk off
stage.
5. Are there any distinctive elements in your character’s
way of speaking? (Is his or her language elaborate, plain, musical, or what?)
Ross
reveals his nobles status through speech. He chooses his words very carefully,
and Ross talks quite deliberately. Most strikingly, Ross hails Macbeth as Thane
of Cawdor. Granted, Macbeth helped salvage Scotland, but Ross is among King
Duncan’s closest advisors, who in fact killed the previous Thane of Cawdor. In
addition, our acting company noted the enthusiastic tone in which Ross
recounted Macbeth’s war efforts. His comment “and everyone did
bear thy praises in his kingdom's great defense” gives the audience the
impression that Ross is talking to a King or a diety.
6.
What is your character thinking during the scene? (How does he or she react to
the other characters and events?)
Ross is thinking about how to gain favor with Macbeth and
Banquo. He realizes that both men will soon help rule Scotland, so Ross can
seize such opportunity to gain political power. At the same time, Ross aims to
carry out his duty without revealing his agenda to Angus. In addition, Ross is
merely happy to meet the heroes of his beloved country.
Macbeth
1. What does
your character want in this scene?
Macbeth
initially wants clarity. He wishes for the witches to tell him the entire
prophecy. After Banquo questions the witches, Macbeth becomes entranced with
the possible ramifications of the ‘weird sisters’ words, and he desires for the
prophecy to become true. When Ross and Angus officially crown Macbeth as Thane
of Cawdor, he again looks for answers. He cannot understand how he could have
gained another title, if the previous holder is still alive. Angus explains the
circumstances, and Macbeth’s attention turns to the prophecy. With proof that
the witches’ words have already become reality, he wants the prophecy to fulfill
itself. Macbeth, in other words, aims to become King. In short, he wants power
and knowledge.
2. What is your character’s motivation for doing
what he or she does?
He is curious.
Macbeth hears the ‘weird sisters’’ words, and naturally he is interested. Our
acting company also contends that Macbeth borrows an authoritative tone toward
the witches because he is committed to justice. He senses the witches’ evil
nature. For the latter part of the scene, however, Macbeth is motivated by the
prophecy itself. At first, he wonders about the possibility of becoming King,
but following his confirmation as Thane of Cawdor, Macbeth feels the prophecy
has been validated, and as the scene closes, he has already begun planning to
unseat King Duncan. He is inspired by the ambition for power in Scotland.
3. What
obstacles stand in his or her way?
Macbeth
encounters a variety of obstacles. The witches prevent him from learning the
entire prophecy and leave Macbeth with only hints about his possible future.
Therefore, he must overcome the sheer ambiguity of the prophecy to determine
the validity of the witches’ words. Macbeth also perceives the Thane of Cawdor
as an obstacle, for if he were alive, then his opportunity to gain such title
would be comprised. To become King, which is indicated by the prophecy, Macbeth
would encounter King Duncan and his sons Malcolm and Donalbain. In addition,
Ross and Angus serves as obstacles, for the prophecy
has overwhelmed Macbeth, and the rising possibility that the witches’ words
will become reality has drained his composure. Yet, he must act properly in
front of Duncan’s loyal messengers. Nevertheless, Banquo emerges from the scene
as Macbeth’s greatest obstacle. He provides a voice of reason, who doubts the
magical powers of the witches. Banquo feels that if one commits wholeheartedly
to the prophecy, trouble could lie ahead.
4. What happens when your character confronts
these obstacles?
Macbeth’s orders
for the witches to stay and explain themselves, but they vanish. Macbeth fails
to encounter the Thane of Cawdor at all, for the previous holder’s title is
vacated after being found guilty of treason. Macbeth does not truly listen to
Banquo’s opinions. The play protagonist has been so infatuated with the notion
of becoming King that he struggles to understand the situations potentially
catastrophically ramifications. Unfortunately, Macbeth confronts Ross and Angus
quite awkwardly, reacting with anger to their words of happiness. Clearly, he
lost his poise. Finally, Macbeth believes if Duncan could be killed, the throne
would be in reach. He doesn’t even consider the King’s sons.
5. Are there any distinctive elements in your
character’s way of speaking? (Is his or her language elaborate, plain, musical,
or what?)
Macbeth
originally speaks with caution, but when the witches begin to leave, his tone
turns. He talks forcefully to them, ordering the witches to “stay, you
imperfect speakers.” Oddly enough, Macbeth then reverts to a state of
confusion, in which he ponders the ramifications of the prophecy. With little
confidence, he utters “your children shall be kings” to Banquo. Macbeth, however, addresses the same notions
following his confirmation as Thane of Cawdor with a renewed mindset. Because
he believes the prophecy is validated, Macbeth asks Banquo deliberately “do you
not hope your children shall be kings?” Following his good friend’s response,
Macbeth weighs the prophecy’s possible outcomes, afraid of what it might
entail. It should also be noted that Macbeth initially greets Ross and Angus
oddly. He challenges their announcement, with a tone of underlying anger.
6. What is your character thinking during the
scene? (How does he or she react to the other characters and events?)
He is thinking
about the validity of the witches’ prophecy throughout the scene. At the
beginning, Macbeth is able to discern that the prophecy entails evil, and he
wants any threat of wickedness eliminated. As he later ponders the witches’
words themselves, the sheer opportunity for power turns Macbeth’s mind to
carrying out the prophecy. Yet, as the scene closes and Macbeth weighs the
possibilities, he is unsure of what to do. He assesses the situations somewhat
rationally, and Macbeth momentarily considers killing Duncan. Moreover, Macbeth
cannot understand why Banquo does not accept the prophecy. He wonders how such
enticing words, which partly have become reality, do not excite his good
friend. Finally, during his conversation with Ross and Angus, Macbeth just
wants the messengers to leave.
Angus
1. What does
your character want in this scene?
Angus wants to
deliver the message to Macbeth that he has become the Thane of Cawdor. Thus, he
looks to fulfill his service to the King. Furthermore, Angus desires to condemn
his counterpart Ross for trying to gain favor with Banquo and Macbeth.
2. What is your character’s motivation for doing
what he or she does?
Angus’s
motivation emanates from King Duncan and his loyalty to Scotland. As a result,
he is willing to do any of the King’s deeds. And such patriotism drives Angus
to criticize Ross, for his counterpart’s political ploy is a form of rebellion
against Duncan.
3. What
obstacles stand in his or her way?
Angus encounters
quite a few obstacles. His main objective is to deliver the news to Macbeth, and
thus, he is forced to confront Macbeth’s odd reaction to normally happy news.
Angus must crown him Thane of Cawdor but struggles to do so, after Macbeth
questions the very nature of Angus’s objective. In addition, Angus faces the
dilemma of Ross’s behavior. He does not want to embarrass his counterpart
publicly, but he cannot accept Ross’s corrupt nature.
4. What happens when your character confronts
these obstacles?
He simply tells
Macbeth why the previous Thane of Cawdor had lost his title, and in his
comment, Angus affirms Duncan’s choice. Of course, he does not react strongly
to Macbeth’s harsh words, for he lacks the authority to criticize one of
Scotland’s greatest heroes. On the other hand, Angus confronts Ross in a unique
manner. When announcing his presence to Macbeth and Banquo, he asserts that no
one shall be paid. In short, Angus highlights Ross’s political corruption.
5. Are there any distinctive elements in your
character’s way of speaking? (Is his or her language elaborate, plain, musical,
or what?)
Angus dictates
King Duncan’s words in his two pieces of dialogue. Thus, his patriotism for
Scotland emerges to the audience. In addition, Angus displays little sentiment
toward the previous Thane of Cawdor. He asserts that the traitor lies “under
heavy judgement bears that life, which he deserves to lose.” In other words,
Angus again displays his loyalty to the King.
Our acting company would also like to highlight Angus’s deliberate tone
and careful choice of words. His status as a nobleman is quite apparent.
6. What is your
character thinking during the scene? (How does he or she react to the other
characters and events?)
He is thinking
that Ross is behaving poorly, and his counterpart’s signs of corruption could
eventually hurt Scotland. Angus is also curious, as to the nature of Macbeth’s
behavior. He foresaw this announcement to have been received happily by the
Scottish hero, and so, Macbeth’s words of disgust puzzle him. Nevertheless, he
forces himself to ignore such an odd reaction to carry out his duty to Duncan.
Banquo
1. What does
your character want in this scene?
Banquo wants to protect himself and
Macbeth. After seeing his friend’s odd reaction to the prophecy, he wonders if
Macbeth is okay, and Banquo demands the witches to explain themselves.
Unfortunately, the ‘weird sisters’ vanish before he receives an answer, but
following Macbeth’s bewilderment at the possible results of the prophecy, he
wants to provide a voice of reason for his friend.
2. What is
your character’s motivation for doing what he or she does?
Banquo is
motivated by his friendship with Macbeth. Banquo worries that the witches could
tarnish his good friend’s life, and thus, he seeks to persuade Macbeth to
ignore the enticing prophecy of the witches. In addition, Banquo’s words
against the witches are prompted by his quest for justice. He realizes that the
prophecy represents corruption and evil, which are elements of life he is
expected to renounce.
3. What
obstacles stand in his or her way?
Banquo’s primary obstacle is Macbeth.
His good friend largely ignores his words of reason, which were aimed to
comfort Macbeth. Banquo also encounters the witches, who fail to comply with
his request to identify themselves. In fact, the ‘weird sisters’ proceed to deliver
the prophecy before Macbeth and Banquo.
4. What
happens when your character confronts these obstacles?
Banquo’s advice
to Macbeth is finally received. At the scene’s conclusion, Macbeth emerges in a
state of decision. He weighs both the positive and negative repercussions if
the prophecy were to be fulfilled. Thus, repetition finally proves successful
for Banquo in communicating his message of caution. Regarding the witches,
Banquo’s request for identification is ignored.
5. Are there any
distinctive elements in your character’s way of speaking? (Is his or her
language elaborate, plain, musical, or what?)
Banquo’s way of
speaking is quite typical of a nobleman. He is very direct, and he articulates
his true feelings. Interestingly, Banquo supplements his thoughts with
religious references. For instance, in regard to the witches’ evil nature, he
tells victims of such prophecies that “cousins, a word, I pray you.” Our acting
company would also like to acknowledge that Banquo appears to be more mature
version of Macbeth himself. Following the witches’ disappearance, Banquo and
Macbeth’s lines are nearly identical, yet shortly thereafter, Macbeth begins to
discuss the possibilities that the witches had announcement, while Banquo
recognizes its evil nature.
6. What is your
character thinking during the scene? (How does he or she react to the other
characters and events?)
Banquo is thinking the witches must go.
He realizes that they are negative influence on his friend Macbeth. Moreover,
Banquo’s mind is centered throughout the scene on the welfare of Macbeth. He
worries the prophecy could ruin the life of his fellow Scottish war hero. In
addition, Banquo believes the words of the witches that his children will
become kings is irrelevant. He thinks the prophecy is an evil ploy.