Macbeth is not known because he is the cousin of the king but because of his ability to fight on a war with great bravery and courage. His physical strength is revealed during the camp scene. King Duncan learns of a battle which Macbeth fought bravely, defeating the enemy. King Duncan is impressed by Macbeth's bravery. "O valiant cousin! Worthy gentleman!" (I.II, 24) He is a great leader to his army and a good follower to the king. He is adored for his genuine service to the king whenever he needs to go to a war. Macbeth is a loyal warrior who did not stop until he killed the enemy of the king. "Till he unseamed him from the nave to the' chops, And fixed his head upon our battlement" (I.II, 22-23). His physical strength is also revealed during various fights throughout the play. At the end of the play, Macbeth still doesn't show fear in any physical situation. Macduff's army has made an attempt on his castle and even though his is outnumbered and out-manned, he does not retreat or run away. He stays and fights to the bitter end. He kills the young siward and continues to defend his castle. After this fight he continues on, he does not retreat to his castle as suggested by one of his siwards. "Why should I play the Roman fool, and die on mine own sword? Whiles I see lives, the gashes do better upon them. (V.VIII, 1-3). Macbeth is explaining that as long as he sees the enemy's men still alive on his grounds, he will continue fighting. Macbeth is a very brave character.
The third way that makes Macbeth a tragic hero is through his tragic flaw. Macbeth's tragic flaw is that of his ambition; Macbeth's ambition will cause him to decline. In connection to this, Lady Macbeth knows about the witches' third prophecy that Macbeth is going to be a king so she encourages him to do everything to get rid of Duncan and take the throne. Lady Macbeth is putting an enormous amount of influence on Macbeth.
