Long Live the
KING
Macbeth is a character who goes from having little power to having absolute power. He is introduced in Shakespeare's play as the titular Thane of Glamis, a position similar to a duke. He is also a noble soldier who is highly regarded on the battlefield as ruthless and brave. So highly regarded, in fact, that the king of Scotland appoints Macbeth Thane of Cawdor. However, Macbeth already knew that he would become the Thane of Cawdor after meeting three mysterious witches (see right insert) who greet him with "All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis!/ All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor!/ All hail Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!" (Act 1, Scene 3, lines 51-53). At this point in the play, Macbeth is returning home from a battle with his friend Banquo.
The only title he has is Thane of Glamis, and he is startled by the witches' greetings. Banquo asks him why he seems so displeased at being told that he would come to such great fortune, and the witches give Banquo his own prophecy after he demands it. They deliver the cryptic message of: "Lesser than Macbeth and greater./ Not so happy, yet much happier/ Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none./ So all hail, Macbeth and Banquo!" (1.3.68-71). Macbeth calls for the witches to stay and explain their words, though they disappear into thin air and are unable to be found. Macbeth is unable to clarify what he's been told, and after being told that he would be getting a visit from the king, returns home to his wife, to whom he had sent a letter telling of his appointment as the Thane of Cawdor in addition to his previous title.