# Malcolm — Macbeth character guide

> Malcolm in Macbeth by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Malcolm O, Malcolm Aside, Malcolm It, Malcolm Macduff, Malcolm Well, young Malcolm, Malcolm The worthy thane of Ross

**First appearance:** 0000-macbeth

## Snapshot

Duncan's elder son, named Prince of Cumberland in the play's opening act, whose caution and flight keep him alive to become a rival claimant.

## Who they are

When his father is murdered, Malcolm does not stay to mourn or to be mourned; he reads the danger in men's smiles and rides for England, leaving suspicion to fall on him. He is young, watchful, and already learning that survival requires distance from the very court he should inherit. His absence becomes the rallying point for those who will not accept Macbeth, and his return shapes the play's final movement.

## Relationships

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

_rivalry_

Macbeth usurps the throne from Malcolm's father and later fights to retain power against Malcolm's invading army.

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

_friendship_

The Lord is a loyal ally to Malcolm, supporting his claim to the throne and aiding his rebellion against Macbeth.

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

_friendship_

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

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

_rivalry_

Lady Macbeth is the wife of Malcolm's enemy and complicit in the murder of his father, making her his adversary.

### [Banquo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se/characters/banquo)

_social_

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

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

_social_

Lady Macduff is the wife of Malcolm's ally, but she has no direct relationship with Malcolm herself.

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

_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 usurps the throne from Malcolm's father and later fights to retain power against Malcolm's invading army.

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

_rivalry_

Lady Macbeth is the wife of Malcolm's enemy and complicit in the murder of his father, making her his adversary.

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

_rivalry_

Lady Macbeth is the wife of Malcolm's enemy and complicit in the murder of his father, making her his adversary.

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

_social_

Lady Macduff is the wife of Malcolm's ally, but she has no direct relationship with Malcolm herself.

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

_friendship_

The Lord is a loyal ally to Malcolm, supporting his claim to the throne and aiding his rebellion against Macbeth.

## In the story

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

Malcolm identifies the bleeding sergeant and introduces him to Duncan, facilitating the report of the battle.

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

Malcolm reports the death of the Thane of Cawdor and is named Prince of Cumberland by his father, making him the official heir to the throne.

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

Present among the retinue accompanying Duncan.

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

Decides to flee to England, suspicious of the nobles' smiles and fearing assassination.

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

Malcolm is mentioned as having fled after Duncan's murder, which puts suspicion on him.

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

Resides in the English court, received by King Edward, and is the rightful heir to the Scottish throne.

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

Tests Macduff's loyalty by feigning vices, then reveals his true character and allies with Macduff.

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

Leading the English army with his uncle Siward and Macduff.

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

Leads the army and devises the strategy of using Birnam Wood boughs for camouflage.

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

Leads the army, gives battle orders, and prepares to confront Macbeth.

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

Leads the assault on the castle, noting the enemy's weak resistance.

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

Mourns the fallen, rewards his thanes, and is crowned King of Scotland.

## Links

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