# Macduff — Macbeth character guide

> Macduff in Macbeth by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** the good Macduff, thither Macduff, Sinful Macduff, worthy Macduff, Macduff Confusion, Macduff Turn, Macduff Bleed

**First appearance:** 0000-macbeth

## Snapshot

The Thane of Fife, a plainspoken nobleman whose refusal to flatter Macbeth's coronation marks him as the coming counterweight.

## Who they are

Macduff is the loyal thane who discovers Duncan's body, declines to attend Macbeth's investiture at Scone, and quietly returns to Fife rather than wear the new king's favor. His wife and children remain at his castle, and his decision to leave them behind becomes the play's sharpest test of what loyalty costs a family. He is the man who does not bend, and his steady refusal is the first crack in Macbeth's grip on Scotland.

## Relationships

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

_friendship_

Macduff becomes Malcolm's most trusted ally and military leader in the campaign to reclaim the throne.

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

_rivalry_

Macbeth orders the murder of Macduff's family, and Macduff ultimately kills Macbeth in revenge.

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

_friendship_

Macduff becomes Malcolm's most trusted ally and military leader in the campaign to reclaim the throne.

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

_rivalry_

Macbeth orders the murder of Macduff's family, and Macduff ultimately kills Macbeth in revenge.

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

_rivalry_

Macbeth orders the murder of Macduff's family, and Macduff ultimately kills Macbeth in revenge.

## In the story

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

Present among the nobles arriving at the castle.

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

Discovers Duncan's body and raises the alarm; questions Macbeth about killing the guards.

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

Macduff reports the flight of Malcolm and Donalbain and confirms that Macbeth has been named king and gone to Scone for investiture.

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

Lives in disgrace after failing to attend Macbeth's feast and has gone to England to rally support against Macbeth.

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

Discussed as having fled to England; his absence leaves his family vulnerable.

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

Passes Malcolm's test, learns of his family's murder, and vows revenge against Macbeth.

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

Allied with Malcolm and Siward, burning for revenge.

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

Urges disciplined soldiership and awaits the true outcome of the coming conflict.

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

Assigned with Malcolm to command the remaining forces; orders trumpets to sound.

### [Scene VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se/chapters/act-v-scene-vii)

Seeks Macbeth personally to avenge the murder of his wife and children.

### [Scene VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se/chapters/act-v-scene-viii)

Reveals his unnatural birth, kills Macbeth, and presents his head to Malcolm.

## Links

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