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

Throughout “Macbeth”, Shakespeare constructs many complex characters. He is able to describe them to the audience through both, direct and indirect characterisation. Indirect characterisation of Macbeth is very apparent in Act 1, Scene 2, where the captain indirectly describes Macbeth when he announces “…for brave Macbeth – well he deserves that name…” (1.2.16) and once again, where Duncan describes him in the last line of Act 1, Scene. “What he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won” (1.2.67). Direct characterisation can be seen in Act 1, Scene 7, when Macbeth is seen to initially refuse Lady Macbeth’s plan to kill Duncan even though it means the possibility of him becoming king. This is because, at heart, Macbeth is a kind and respected man who does not want to kill his friend even if it is at the chance of him becoming king. However, as we now know, this later changes as the character develops.