The play Macbeth by William Shakespeare is a tragedy among all the characters, but especially Macbeth himself. This play is one of the most gruesome and tragic plays that Shakespeare wrote. It's about a man hungry for power and willing to do anything to get what he wants. At first he doesn't seem willing to play dirty, but some actions make him change his mind. Macbeth is a tragic hero. A tragic hero is made up of seven characteristics where the person starts out as a successful person admired by everyone. The person is therefore destined for failure, but struggles to fight it. The person is unable to accept his failure due to some defect, thus failing in his fight against destiny. All the characteristics that will be explained later can prove that Macbeth is a tragic hero. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The first characteristic is that the person must start in a high position. In the play, Macbeth is a Thane, so the audience knows that he is noble. The audience also knows that he is respected by others. One person Macbeth respects greatly is his cousin Duncan, King of Scotland. “O brave cousin! Worthy gentleman!” (1, 2, 24) This means how the leaders of his country speak well of Macbeth, thus showing how he is respected and honored. Duncan speaks highly of Macbeth after hearing of a successful battle of his nobles Macbeth and Banquo. Duncan then orders the rebel Thane of Cawdor to be executed and sends messengers to tell Macbeth that he has been given the title of Cawdor. The second characteristic is that the person is fundamentally good, but not perfect. Macbeth fits this characteristic well. When he is given the title Lord of Cawdor, he realizes that one of the prophecies the three witches gave him has come true. He wonders if other prophecies could come true. This is where Macbeth's desire for power comes into play. “If chance wills me king, well, chance can crown me; / Without my motion.” (1, 3, 143-144) Here Macbeth decides for a moment to leave everything to fate whether he will be king or not. He will let chance decide for him rather than him acting, since he became Thane of Cawdor without doing much. The third characteristic is the person tempted by something; something of value can be achieved if the person is willing to give in to their weakness. “Hail, all, Macbeth, that henceforth thou shalt be king!” (1, 3, 49-50) In this case the three witches tell Macbeth that he will be king, he then begins to think about how to become king. After the whole situation of executing the rebel thane and meeting the witches, Macbeth writes to his wife to tell her about his meeting with the three witches. He is afraid that Macbeth lacks the courage he needs to become king. When she finds out that Duncan is coming to visit her, she prepares for his murder. He tries to convince Macbeth to become a villain and kill King Duncan. Look at the innocent flower;/ but be the serpent beneath. He who comes;/ We must provide; and you will insert in my dispatch:/ The great affairs of this night. (1,5,63-66)Lady Macbeth is basically telling Macbeth to play the role of the welcoming guest on the night of Duncan's arrival, so that no one will suspect his true intentions. He should appear innocent and trusting, but at the same time he must be devious, ready to kill Duncan at any moment without being blamed. The fourth characteristic is giving in to weakness, which then becomes the tragic flaw. This is where Macbeth kills Duncan, causing him to cross the line. He is petrified of what he has done. He's so mortified that he carries the daggers he used on Duncan,.