Macbett
(1972)
by
Eugène Ionesco
(List
of Characters)
List
of Characters in Macbett (1972)
The
play Macbett by Eugène Ionesco presents a set of exaggerated and often
grotesque characters who help convey the play’s themes of political ambition,
corruption, and absurdity. Many of the characters are loosely inspired by those
in William Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth, but they are reshaped in satirical
and absurd ways.
Below
is a list of the main characters in the play.
1.
Macbett
Macbett
is the central character and protagonist of the play. At the beginning, he is a
loyal and capable general serving King Duncan. However, after hearing the
witches’ prophecy that he will become king, his ambition grows. Influenced by
this prophecy and by political manipulation, he murders Duncan and seizes the
throne. Once in power, Macbett becomes paranoid and tyrannical, ruling through
violence and fear. His transformation illustrates the corrupting influence of
power.
2.
Banco
Banco
is Macbett’s fellow general and companion. Like Macbett, he hears the witches’
prophecy, which suggests that his descendants will become kings. Although Banco
initially appears loyal and reasonable, he eventually becomes a victim of
Macbett’s growing suspicion and ambition. Macbett orders his murder to
eliminate a potential threat to his rule.
3.
King Duncan
King
Duncan is the ruler of the kingdom at the beginning of the play. In Ionesco’s
version, he is portrayed as a harsh and suspicious tyrant rather than a noble
king. His cruel leadership contributes to the atmosphere of violence and
instability in the kingdom. Eventually, Macbett murders him in order to take
the throne.
4.
Lady Duncan
Lady
Duncan is the wife of King Duncan and one of the most manipulative characters
in the play. Unlike Shakespeare’s Lady Macbeth, she encourages Macbett to
overthrow her husband. Ambitious and cunning, she seeks power and influence
through political intrigue and manipulation.
5.
The Witches
The
witches are mysterious supernatural figures who predict that Macbett will
become king. Their prophecy sparks Macbett’s ambition and sets the events of the
play in motion. They represent the strange and irrational forces that influence
human decisions and highlight the absurd atmosphere of the play.
6.
Macol
Macol
is a noble figure who eventually challenges Macbett’s rule. He represents the
political opposition to Macbett’s tyranny and plays a role in bringing about
Macbett’s downfall.
7.
Lennox
Lennox
is one of the nobles in the kingdom. He observes the political turmoil and the
increasing cruelty of Macbett’s rule.
8.
Ross
Ross
is another noble who witnesses the violent events unfolding in the kingdom.
Like Lennox, he reflects the concerns and reactions of the political elite
toward Macbett’s tyranny.
9.
Soldiers and Courtiers
Various
soldiers, messengers, and courtiers appear throughout the play. They help
create the atmosphere of constant war, conspiracy, and political instability.
In
Macbett, Eugène Ionesco uses these characters not only to tell a dramatic story
but also to represent different aspects of political ambition, manipulation,
and corruption. Their exaggerated behavior contributes to the play’s absurd and
satirical portrayal of the struggle for power.
 by Eugène Ionesco (List of Characters)){kind=link}
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