In my opinion, Macbeth is the character that changes most prominently in the play. He is initially introduced as a glorified warrior, with a of morality and a genuine relationship with those around him. However, through the course of the play, he becomes filled with betrayal, distances himself from all his subjects and transforms into a "bloody tyrant." Macbeth is initially portrayed as a valiant soldier, a "Bellona's bridegroom" who fought courageously in the battlefield. The metaphorical allusion to Macbeth with a godly figure emulate how he was almost worshipped by others due to his bravery and serving the king. This could reflect how in the Shakespearean Era, kings were regarded as appointed by God according to the divine right of kings and how serving such a king immediately earns love and respect from society. This immediately portrays Malcolm as a hero, both in the battlefield and in terms of his intentions. However, the intervention of the witches seems to have an immediate effect on him. As soon as they "All hail" him with the prophetic greetings promising greatness, he imperratively commands him to "stay... tell me more". The commanding tone used here signifies how Macbeth is enraptured by the first glimpse he receives into the supernatural world. Witches and witchcraft were regarded as evil and the "highest treason against God" by King James. Therefore, Macbeth's desire to command such evil beings may signify the lurking evil intentions within him, foreboding how he will indeed commit treason later in the future. This is ironically juxtaposed with how he was regarded with godly imagery on the battlefield. The contrast created in him before and after both his meeting with the witches embodies how the drastic impact that associating with the supernatural can have on you, warning the Shakespearean audience against doing so. It also is seen to have a strong relationship with his wife. Macbeth has the letter regarding the prophecies to his wife before he can reach the palace. This sequence of events highlights the sense of urgency in him to communicate this to her. This is reinforced by how he regards her as "my dearest partner in greatness." This phrase ironically places Lady Macbeth on a high pedestal as equal to him, strongly challenging the traditional gender roles in relationships that existed during the 16th century. This disregarding of societal standards to accommodate Macbeth's wife highlights his love for her as transcending all barriers. However, Lady Macbeth herself is seen as a strong force that implements change in Macbeth. As soon as Macbeth arrives, she begins to "pour my spirits in thine ear" the plot to access the throne by killing the king. The imagery used here alludes to one of Shakespeare's plays, Hamlet, where pouring poison into one's ear resulted in his death. This creates a sinister tone, suggesting how Lady Macbeth's words will only metaphorically drive him to his own death and death of his glorification as well. This is reinforced once more by how Macbeth replies shortly to Lady Macbeth in the brief lines, "We will speak further." Further hints at how he is metaphorically controlled by Lady Macbeth's intentions. This is strongly supported by how the throne could have been easily self-gained by natural means. Yet, it is Lady Macbeth who feeds Macbeth with the idea that it requires treason as the only route to success, which eventually results in his ultimate downfall.This linking of opposite gender roles to devastation could highlight how Shakespeare believed in obeying the natural course of life at all costs. He is further seen to have a strong sense of morality.This is effectively brought out at his reluctance to kill the king in his soliloquy. Macbeth highlights how he is "his kinsman and subject, strong both against the deed, then as his host." The use of punctuation used here creates a fast pace mirroring the great disturbances in his mind and his inner desire to disregard the plan. This is reinforced by how after the murder, Macbeth is seen to exclaim how he "could not pronounce Amen." This signifies his strong connection of religion, also portraying how heaven itself has turned against him, owing to his crimes. This intensifies how Macbeth has now lost the religious guidance he once had, into an extremely fatal loss as per the Shakespearean society, foreboding fear at his inevitable downfall. However, after the king's murder, Macbeth is seen to slowly distant from his wife. This is strongly evident by how he decided to does not discuss Banquo's murder with her as he did before and tells her to "be innocent of the knowledge dearest chuck." Although he does not share his intentions with her, he still is seen to care for her. This sense of independence and affection he has showcased towards her may be seen as more ideally masculine, yet ironically Banquo's murder is what is seen to lead him toward insanity. The linking of impulsive and unguided decisions to downfall portrays the masculine stereotypes as toxic. The encounter of Macbeth with Banquo's ghost acts as a turning point in the play. As soon as he sees him, Macbeth confronts him for shaking his "gory locks at me". The visual imagery of his friend drenched in blood mortifies him, as it is metaphoric of Macbeth's own crimes portraying his guilt. This is reinforces by how Macbeth takes this moment to realize and acknowledge that "I am in blood stepped in so far," highlighting his shift in mentality as from unease at his situation to embracing his tyranny. The scene ends in him sinisterly uttering "we are yet but young in deed" presenting how he has now fully embraced evil, foreboding his later inevitable downfall. Afterwards, Macbeth completely loses his sense of morality, causing him to have "acted ere they may be scanned," presenting how he will only lead by his thirst for blood, lacking both thought and logic. This is heightened by how he kills Macduff's family, one that was full of innocence, creating poignance within the audience. His irrational murders are contrasted with how he initially only killed during battle, supporting the prevailing idea that the "thane of Cawdor" was indeed a cursed title. His transformation from loyal to disloyal towards the country highlights him as unsuitable to reign, creating restlessness within the Shakespearean audience. The play adds to Macbeth battling for Macduff, who commands him "turn hellhound turn,". This dehumanization paints Macbeth as a devious creature, portraying how he is undeserving of all the luxuries he possesses. This act further contrasts strongly to how he is initially referred to as "worthy cousin," highlighting the intensity of corruption he has undergone throughout the course of the play. At the end "Macbeth slain" and his head hung upon the battlements. This alludes to how the play began in Macdonald facing the same fate. This cyclical structure emphasizes how Macbeth evolved to be a traitor, perhaps portraying to the Shakespearean audience the fate that such people deserve. In conclusion, Macbeth is a dynamic character that changes throughout due to a variety of external forces that change his thoughts and intentions.