I am studying William Shakespeare's play Macbeth, also known as "The Scottish Play".
In 11th century Scotland, Macbeth is a successful general in King Duncan's army. After a battle against the Norwegian invaders he and Banquo come across 3 weird sisters who tell Macbeth that he is to be Thane of Cawdor and King hereafter. Macbeth's reaction is one of stunned silence but Banquo challenges the witches to foresee his future and his predictions are "lesser than Macbeth, and greater. Not as happy, yet much happier. Thou shall get kings, though thou be none." Macbeth is proclaimed Thane of Cawdor minutes after the weird sisters disappear. Macbeth sends news of these prophesies to his wife and she immediately devises plan to ensure they come true. She persuades Macbeth to kill the King when he comes to their house for a night. Macbeth gives into the lure of the Witches and the temptation offered by his wife and kills the King. He also kills and blames the guards, stating that he killed the guards out of loyalty to the King. When Duncan's two sons flee Macbeth claims that they bribed the guards to kill the King. With neither of Duncan's sons present Macbeth is free to declare himself King of Scotland. Later Macbeth becomes fearful of Banquo because he stands as a witness to the witches" prophecies and it has been foreseen that his descendants will become the future Kings of Scotland while Macbeth was promised only to become King. Banquo is murdered whilst riding through the woods surrounding the castle on Macbeth's orders but his son Fleance escapes. Banquo's ghost returns to haunt Macbeth and marks the beginning to Macbeth's end. Macbeth and his kingdom degenerate and Malcolm and Macduff lead an English army to capture the castle. Macduff kills Macbeth and order is returned to Scotland. .
The character I am looking at is Banquo, Thane of Lochaber, who, at the beginning to the play, is Macbeth's best friend and is also a general in King Duncan's army.