The play opens with Macbeth and Banquo returning from a battle with the Norwegians. They both receive very ambitious prophecies from the three witches. Banquo takes his prediction in half-jest and cautions Macbeth from placing too much faith in the witches. By the end of the play, Macbeth is convinced by the three weird witches and by his wife to fulfill the prophecies (that he will be thane of Glamis and king). Banquo and Macbeth react differently, Macbeth considers killing the king, and does, while Banquo calmly ignores such urges.

Act I, scene two, sets the reckless and fast-paced mood for the rest of the play. a wounded captain tells King Duncan how Macbeth honorably killed Macdonwald and how he and Banquo later withstood an attack from the Norwegian King. Duncan sees Banquo and Macbeth as he

After a short exchange with Macbeth, Banquo exits and Macbeth speaks with the two hired assassins. Macbeth makes it clear that they will kill Banquo, but he attempts to disguise his reason by convincing them that "that it was he, in the times past, which held you so under fortune..."(act 3, sc.i, 84-85)

This scene is fundamental for the rest of the play; the witches make predictions that set the stage and mood for the rest of the play.

Macbeth also muses to himself the possibility of killing Duncan. Disturbed by his own wickedness, he resolves to let fate take its course: "If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me without my stir."(act 1,sc.iii,157-160)

Banquo's death is the ultimate contrast to his personality: He warns Macbeth of the inherent danger in believing the witches and although he suffers from the same wicked thoughts as Macbeth, he resolves not to act rashly. Macbeth, on the other hand, is prodded (persuaded) by his wife and lured by the apparent truths of the three witches.

roes and honorable soldiers. To reward "brave Macbeth"(act 1,sc.ii, 17) Duncan tells Ross to give the traitors former position ("Thane of Cawdor") to Macbeth. Macbeth and Banquo are both valiant soldiers and are nearly equals (their only difference is that Macbeth is credited with killing Macdonwald).

Here Banquo hints that he has suspicions and he advises people to take time to compose their thoughts and formalize their hunches before action is taken. This shows that Banquo is a calm, logical and reserved character.

"... but that myself should be the root and father of many kings. If there come truth from them (as upon thee, Macbeth, the

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Approximate Word count = 1120
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)