Promptbook-- Character Report

Witch 2– Andy Shea

1. What does your character want in this scene?

As the second witch, my character wants to give a message of the future to Macbeth by means of hallucination. In Shakespeare’s mind, the witch wants to make the potion, and then let Macbeth drink it.

2. What is your character’s motivation for doing what he or she does? 

The witches’ motivation for tempting Macbeth is simply natural, in Shakespeare’s eyes. Because they are witches, and practicing a heathen religion, they are naturally wicked and desire to tempt people into their own practices. They wish to alter the course of events in the play and attempt to show their dominance over free will.

3. What obstacles stand in his or her way?

One obstacle would be the fact that although Macbeth may listen to the prophesies of the witches, others might not take them as seriously, and in turn not act upon them. This takes away from the mentioned desire to alter the course of events in the play.

4. What happens when your character confronts these obstacles?

The witch does not really confront this obstacle because she plays the role of one who does not pursue meaning. In other words, the witch will give Macbeth the drink, but leave him be after the apparitions disappear.

5. Are there any distinctive elements in your character’s way of speaking? (Is his or her language elaborate, plain, musical, or what?)

Rhythm and Rhyme are key aspects of the narration of all the witches. It is a primordial chant intended to release the emotions and pour them out into the cauldron. The tone of voice is witch-like; high and raspy.

6. What is your character thinking during the scene? (How does he or she react to the other characters and events?)

Basically, the second witch advises Macbeth to “speak not to’t” in referring to the apparitions, but other than that, they simply leave without reaction to Macbeth’s ramblings.