Is Macbeth Truly a Tragic Hero or a Villain?

Macbeth is the main character of the play “Macbeth” and is often described as both a hero and a villain. However, on closer examination it becomes evident that Macbeth’s methods and motivations reveal that he does not embody a hero, but a villian.

Throughout the play, Macbeth’s primary way to address a problem he faced was murder. In the beginning Macbeth fights valiantly in a battle, against Macdonwald, “For brave Macbeth — well he deserves that name — Disdaining fortune, with his brandish’d steel, Which smoked with bloody execution…” (Act 1 Scene 2). The sergeant describes Macbeth’s “heroic” feats in battle slashing through his enemies. Any issues Macbeth faced were met with his sword, leaving no room for negotiations. Macbeth was already desensitized to the act of murder, exhibiting a lack of remorse or value of human life. Despite using such belligerent methods, Macbeth’s approach worked, killing in the battlefield labeled him as a hero and murdering the King allowed Macbeth to ascend the throne. As the story prolongs, Macbeth continues to resort to murder in order to solve his issues, justifying his actions as for the greater purpose or for King Duncan.

Macbeth often surrenders to his own desires. After he ascends the throne, Macbeth is overcome with a consuming desire to maintain his position as King, leading to a life full of fear and paranoia. When the Witches foresee a prophecy that Banquo’s children will become kings, Macbeth becomes fearful of Banquo and without hesitation sends assassins after Banquo, “It is concluded. Banquo, thy soul’s flight, If it finds heaven, must find it out to-night”(Act 3 Scene 1).

His obsession causes him to eliminate anyone who has the “possibility” of usurping his throne, which drives him to kill even his best friend Banquo. Macbeth’s actions are driven by greed and paranoia, without any remains of his former honor or any moral dignity. His mindset is impossible to call righteous.

In conclusion, Macbeth’s actions and motivations classify him as a villain rather than a hero. Macbeth’s utilization of murder as means to resolve his issues, disregarding human life, is evidence of his moral depravity. Consuming himself with fear and greed he commits many heinous acts in his relentless pursuit of power and his need to maintain it, cementing his identity as a villain.

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