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

In Act 1, Scene 2, Macbeth himself is not on stage but the Audience members begin to explore the character by use of indirect characterisation. In this Scene, the Captain addresses Macbeth as “[…] brave Macbeth – well he deserves that name” (1.2.16). This quote from the play introduces Macbeth as a brave individual and the audience members then explore why he has been titled as brave when they find out he killed Macdonald “[…] he unseamed him from the nave to th’chaps / And fixed his head upon our battlements.” Audience members also begin to understand that Macbeth is highly respected because Duncan refers to him as “[…] valiant cousin, worthy gentleman” (1.2.24). So far, the audience’s perception of Macbeth is positive, he is respected, brave, and powerful. When the audience is introduced to Macbeth in Act 1 Scene 3, he is still seen as a good man but when the witches unfold his alleged fate, audience members can now see his underlying greed into becoming King as he keeps asking them more about their fortunes but they vanish (stage direction.) Then as the play unfolds, audience members are introduced to his schemes and worries, especially in Macbeth’s soliloquy in Act 1 Scene 7. This soliloquy tells the audience his innermost darkest thoughts and they now perceive him not as positive as before, understand his thirst for power but are forced to sympathise due to his strong feelings for King Duncan and how he really wishes for him to live but believes that to accomplish his fate he must choose to take action. I believe there is a lot in this play about fate or choice and how they can, directly and indirectly, affect each other.