In the play "Macbeth," one of Shakespeare's greatest literary works, similar themes are woven throughout the plot of each character's storyline. Macduff and Macbeth are no exception. Even though Macbeth and Macduff share many of the same qualities - bravery, hunger for power, etc. - their distinct differences are revealed as the story progresses. Even though they both commit murder, they do so for very different reasons; Macbeth killed out of greed and selfishness, whereas Macduff killed Macbeth to avenge the deaths of his slaughtered family, as well as to protect his country. .
Macbeth can be considered a tragic hero. He had many noble qualities as well as human flaws, yet he remained courageous, brave and a good nobleman. Through the play, the audience begins to see Macbeth's flaws take root and grow to the point where most of his positive traits are smothered. His character change begins immediately after he murders Duncan. Macbeth becomes tyrannical and evil, a glaring, polar opposite of who he seemed to be at the outset of the play. .
Macduff was never a man of many words but he was an honest man, and because of this everyone listened when he spoke. We first see Macduff's honesty as he expresses his raw grief at the King's murder: "O horror, horror, horror! Tongue nor heart/ Cannot conceive nor name thee!" (act 2, scene 3). His grief is so much that not even the king's own son appears to mourn the loss of the king, as much as Macduff. But not even grief was enough to keep this man from paying attention to his surroundings. He is so noble that he was only one who dared to ask why Macbeth killed the guards senselessly. Instead of wasting time on his suspicions, he decides to leave for England. Most might think that this is a cowardly act, but this is actually a brave act which was intended to aid Malcolm in enrolling the English armed services against Macbeth. .
Macbeth and Macduff were similar in their bravery and skill on the battlefield.
