Duncan's Just and Generous Nature: Duncan is depicted as a fair and just king who cares for his subjects. He refers to his thanes, including Macbeth, as "our worthy friend" and expresses gratitude for their service.
Contrast with Macbeth: Shakespeare creates a stark contrast between Duncan's nobility and Macbeth's descent into corruption and brutality. This contrast highlights Duncan's positive qualities and makes his untimely death even more tragic.
Sense of Order and Harmony: Duncan's reign represents a time of peace and order in Scotland. His death at the hands of Macbeth symbolizes the disruption of this harmony and sets the stage for the chaos and violence that ensue.
Audience Empathy: Duncan's innocence and vulnerability evoke empathy from the audience. His trust in Macbeth, despite the warnings from others, makes his murder even more heinous and reinforces the sense of loss and injustice surrounding his death.
Overall, Shakespeare intends for Duncan to be a sympathetic figure whose death serves as a catalyst for the tragic events that unfold in "Macbeth." He represents the ideals of a virtuous ruler and emphasizes the consequences of betrayal and ambition.