The play Macbeth, written by Williams Shakespeare, presents to the reader two different characters, both Macbeth and Banquo. Macbeth is ambitious, and ruthless in his desire to get what he wants. Banquo seems content to take second place, but is stronger than Macbeth when it comes to the crunch. Whilst at the start, they are presented similarly; they contrast quite considerably by the end of the play. Macbeth's evil nature lives on, and Banquo's ghost will forever come back to haunt him. .
At the beginning of the play, Macbeth and Banquo appear to have a close relationship. This relationship displays their friendship, but also how they drift apart after hearing the prophecies. Macbeth is angered that Banquo's son would inherit the crown, saying, "Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown And put a barren scepter in my gripe," .Macbeth knows he has to kill his friend to keep the crown but still he betrays Banquo's trust and breaks their code of friendship. .
The theme of ambition requires an essential contrast to the power-hungry Macbeth. The relationship between Macbeth and Banquo is one of friendship. They fight together and are honored together. Both men receive prophecies, but their lives conclude very differently. Banquo's passive personality blocks him from making his own decisions to fulfill the prophecies. The relationship between Macbeth and Banquo clearly shows the difference in ambition. Both possess it, but Macbeth has a superior desire for power. Banquo wants his prophecies to come true, but he lets nature take its course. He takes no extremes whatsoever to ensure that these prophecies are fulfilled. He remains modest and patient. Unfortunately, Macbeth kills Banquo before Banquo's prophecy comes true. Macbeth feels threatened by Banquo, as his son would take over the throne in due time. This jealousy leads to more evil, lies and eventually to murder. In addition to this reason, Macbeth deemed it appropriate to eliminate Banquo in order to eliminate any evidence existing, as it was Banquo who was present with Macbeth when he received this prophecy.