Macbeth goes through many obstacles to get to the throne. In Shakespeare's tragedy, "Macbeth," ambition leads to the eventual fall of Macbeth. His growing ambition changes him from a laudable Scottish general to a pernicious usurper. Guilt gets the best of him. And since Macbeth is so hungry for power, he is willing to do anything. So ultimately, ambition is the true reason for downfall and tragedy in "Macbeth." .
Macbeth wasn't always the avaricious person that he now is. He is said to be "the sergeant, who like a good and hardy soldier Hail, brave friend!" (Act I Scene ii Lines 4-6). Macbeth became the Thane of Cawdor by the order of King Duncan. When Lady Macbeth heard of this news she was indifferent. Lady Macbeth wants more. She has high ambitions for Macbeth and she triggers her husband's lust for the throne. Lady Macbeth convinces Macbeth into killing King Duncan by harassing him with his weaknesses. Without her, Macbeth wouldn't have killed Duncan so Lady Macbeth was more superstitious and power hungry than Macbeth in the beginning. Lady Macbeth's ambition starts Macbeth's search for power. Also, the three witches play a vast role in Macbeth's eventual downfall. Their prophecy informs Macbeth that he will be king and encouraged his violence. They are the first people to get the idea of power into Macbeth's head when they prophesied, "All hail, Macbeth! That shalt be king hereafter" (Act I Scene iii Line 52). Macbeth's thirst for power does not end there. He becomes mad and goes to extreme measures to stay on the throne. .
Macbeth's downfall was seen also when he becomes a "valiant fury." He first tastes blood when he kills King Duncan. But after he killed him, Macbeth now no longer cares for life but his position on the throne. He kills Banquo and Macduff's family because he was scared that they would take the throne away from him. So he killed both of them so he could stay in power.
