# Banquo — Macbeth character guide

> Banquo in Macbeth by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Noble Banquo, worthy Banquo, O Banquo, Banquo All, Banquo Ay, the right-valiant Banquo

**First appearance:** 0000-macbeth

## Snapshot

Macbeth's fellow general and the one man who heard the witches' promises firsthand, now watching his friend's rise with quiet suspicion.

## Who they are

Banquo shares the prophecy that made Macbeth king, but the witches also promised his own sons would be kings, a hope he keeps hushed and half-believed. He is brave, loyal, and shrewd enough to note that Macbeth played most foully for what he has, yet he stays close to court and to the new king. His presence is a living reminder that the witches' words may not be finished, and his friendship becomes the thing Macbeth cannot afford to keep.

## Relationships

### [Macbeth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se/characters/macbeth)

_friendship_

Banquo is Macbeth's fellow general and close friend, but their bond is strained by Macbeth's ambition and Banquo's suspicion.

### [Malcolm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se/characters/malcolm)

_social_

Banquo is a nobleman and general who knows Malcolm as the prince and heir, but they have limited direct interaction.

### [Lord](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se/characters/lord)

_friendship_

Banquo and the Lord are fellow Scottish nobles who share a common loyalty to the rightful king.

### [Lady Macduff](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se/characters/lady_macduff)

_social_

Banquo and Lady Macduff are both noble figures in Scotland, but they have no known direct interaction in the play.

### [Macbeth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se/characters/macbeth)

_friendship_

Banquo is Macbeth's fellow general and close friend, but their bond is strained by Macbeth's ambition and Banquo's suspicion.

### [Macbeth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se/characters/macbeth)

_friendship_

Banquo is Macbeth's fellow general and close friend, but their bond is strained by Macbeth's ambition and Banquo's suspicion.

## In the story

### [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se/chapters/act-i-scene-ii)

Banquo is mentioned alongside Macbeth as a captain who fought valiantly against the Norwegian assault.

### [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se/chapters/act-i-scene-iii)

Witnesses the prophecies and warns Macbeth about the deceptive nature of the witches' truths.

### [Scene IV: The Naming of the Prince of Cumberland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se/chapters/act-i-scene-iv)

Banquo is warmly welcomed by Duncan and acknowledged for his equal merit alongside Macbeth.

### [Scene VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se/chapters/act-i-scene-vi)

Comments on the delicate air and the martlet's presence, suggesting a peaceful setting.

### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-i)

Restless and troubled, Banquo speaks of cursed thoughts and dreams of the weird sisters.

### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-i)

Banquo suspects Macbeth of treachery and hopes the witches' prophecy about his own descendants will come true.

### [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-ii)

Banquo is mentioned as having left court but is expected to return that night, making him the target of Macbeth's plot.

### [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-iii)

Ambushed and killed by the murderers; his last words urge Fleance to flee and seek revenge.

### [Scene IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-iv)

Appears as a ghost, sitting in Macbeth's place and silently accusing him.

### [Act IV, Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-i)

Appears as a ghost in the vision, smiling and pointing at the line of eight kings, confirming Macbeth's fear that Banquo's heirs will inherit the throne.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se/characters/banquo
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se/characters