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Macbeth: Characters - Banquo

Character Overview

• Banquo is a Scottish general who fights alongside Macbeth in the beginning of the play.
• He is portrayed as a noble and wise figure, contrasting with Macbeth's ambitious and destructive character.
• Banquo and his son Fleance are prophesied by the witches to be the progenitors of a long line of Scottish kings.
• Unlike Macbeth, Banquo does not act on the witches' prophecy.

Role in the Play

• Banquo is the person who introduces the audience to the weird sisters (the witches). Their prophecy intrigues him as it does Macbeth, but Banquo is cautious.
• His presence throughout the play serves as a moral compass, juxtaposing Macbeth’s growing ruthlessness and tyranny.
• Banquo's ghost represents Macbeth's guilt and the terrible consequences of his ambitious crimes.
• His lineage, including his son Fleance, is significant in demonstrating the witches' prophecy coming true and providing a glimmer of hope for the future of Scotland.

Character Traits

• Integrity is a key trait of Banquo’s, as he is not swayed by the witches' prophecies and doesn't let it drive him to immoral actions.
• Banquo is characterised as courageous and loyal, staples of a heroic character. He battles alongside Macbeth and doesn't betray his country.
• His scepticism is evident when he warns Macbeth that the witches could be trying to trick them, demonstrating his wisdom and foresight.

Key Quotes

• "And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, The instruments of darkness tell us truths" (Act 1, Scene 3). This quote highlights Banquo’s wisdom and his scepticism towards the witches' prophecy.
• "I fear, Thou play'dst most foully for't" (Act 3, Scene 1). This is Banquo expressing his suspicion that Macbeth has achieved the throne through nefarious means.
• "Thou canst not say I did it: never shake Thy gory locks at me" (Act 3, Scene 4). These lines represent the guilt-ridden Macbeth seeing Banquo’s ghost, symbolising Macbeth's deep remorse and paranoia.

Relationships

• Banquo and Macbeth: Initially friends and comrades, their relationship deteriorates because of Macbeth's ambition and his subsequent actions.
• Banquo and Fleance: Banquo is shown to be a caring father and protective of his son’s future.
• Banquo and the Witches: While he is intrigued by the witches, Banquo remains sceptical of their prophecies and motives.

Ultimately, Banquo's character serves to illustrate the effects of unbridled ambition (as seen in Macbeth) versus the choice of taking a moral and noble path.