Macbeth: Act 1: The Difference Between Direct & Indirect Characterisation Of Macbeth

Differentiate between the direct and indirect characterization Shakespeare uses in order to construct his characters.

(Direct characterization is when we learn something about the character based on what they say, whereas indirect characterization is when we learn something about the character based on what someone else says.)

Although Macbeth is mentioned countless times throughout Act 1, he does not appear until Scene 3. Until he appears, we use the indirect characterization Shakespeare provides in order to construct the character of Macbeth. For example, in Scene two the captain sings praises of “[the] brave Macbeth” (1.2.16) and gives us the impression of a fearless and unflinching warrior. “Till he unseamed from the nave to th’chaps” (1.2.22), and “fixes his head upon our battlements” (1.2.23), indicates to us that Macbeth did not give Macdonwald enough time to part with a goodbye before he was slain. In contrast, when we use the direct characterization Shakespeare provides, we get to know Macbeth from a different perspective: his own. When he speaks with his wife regarding the plan to kill the king, he questions, “If we should fail?” (1.7.58) Through this, we learn that although to other he may seem as an unwavering and determined warrior, he is a man who gives some thought before acting.