* Duncan: Macbeth's king and cousin, whom he murders to become King of Scotland.
* Macduff: A Scottish nobleman who becomes Macbeth's enemy after Macbeth murders his family.
* The witches: The supernatural beings who prophesy that Macbeth will become king and cause him to commit evil acts to obtain the throne.
* Lady Macbeth: Macbeth's wife, who encourages him to kill Duncan and later becomes guilt-ridden and dies.
* Banquo: Macbeth's friend and fellow general, whom he murders because he fears Banquo's sons will inherit the throne.
* Fleance: Banquo's son, who escapes Macbeth's attempts to kill him and eventually leads an army against him.
* Malcolm and Donalbain: Duncan's sons, who flee Scotland after their father's murder but later return to reclaim the throne.