Duncan is presented as a just and benevolent king. He is loved and respected by his subjects. Duncan is also a brave and skilled warrior. He is shown to be a good judge of character and is quick to reward those who are deserving.
In the opening scene of the play, Duncan rewards Macbeth with the title of Thane of Cawdor for his bravery in battle. Duncan is also shown to be a forgiving king. When Macbeth murders him, Duncan's last words are:
"There's no art
To find the mind's construction in the face:
He was a gentleman on whom I built
An absolute trust."
Duncan's forgiveness of Macbeth shows that he was a truly good and noble king.
Macbeth is a complex character. He is a brave and skilled warrior, but he is also ambitious and ruthless. When the witches prophecy that he will become king, Macbeth is consumed by ambition. He murders Duncan in order to seize the throne.
Once Macbeth becomes king, he becomes a tyrant. He is paranoid and suspicious of everyone around him. He murders anyone who he perceives as a threat to his power. Macbeth's reign of terror eventually leads to his downfall.
Macduff is a loyal and honorable nobleman. He is a trusted friend of Duncan's and is one of the few people who suspects that Macbeth is behind Duncan's murder. Macduff flees Scotland in order to escape Macbeth's wrath. He eventually returns to Scotland with an army to overthrow Macbeth.
In the final scene of the play, Macduff kills Macbeth in battle. This restores order to Scotland and Macbeth's reign of terror is finally over.
Shakespeare's presentation of kingship in Macbeth is complex and nuanced. He shows that kingship is not just about power and authority. It is also about responsibility and duty. Shakespeare also suggests that kingship is not something that can be taken lightly. It is a sacred trust that must be honored.
Shakespeare's play is also a warning to those who seek power by unlawful means. Macbeth's ambition and ruthlessness lead to his downfall and the destruction of Scotland. Shakespeare suggests that only those who are worthy of power should be kings.
Shakespeare's presentation of kingship in Macbeth is still relevant today. The play explores the dangers of ambition and the importance of good leadership. Shakespeare's play also reminds us that power is a sacred trust that must be used wisely.
