Differentiate between the direct and indirect characterisation Shakespeare uses in order to construct his characters.
Shakespeare uses both direct and indirect characterisation to give the audience a clear idea of the characters. Before Macbeth is shown to the audience, the other characters subtly describe some of his characteristics throughout Scenes 1 and 2. This is shown when the captain says “…brave Macbeth – well he deserves that name” (1. 2. 16). Shakespeare also uses direct characterisation to further the audiences knowledge and understanding of the characters. In Macbeth’s first soliloquy he says “…as I am his kinsman and his subject” which shows that he is loyal towards Duncan (1. 7. 13).
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Before Macbeth is shown to the audience, other characters like the Captain subtly describe some of his characteristics by calling him “…brave Macbeth – well he deserves that name” (1. 2. 16).