In Shakespeare’s play ‘Macbeth,’ the titular character Macbeth directly kills a total of five people.
These are:
- Duncan – the King of Scotland, whom Macbeth murders in his sleep.
- Banquo – Macbeth’s friend, whom he has killed because of the witches’ prophecy that Banquo’s descendants will be kings.
- Fleance – Banquo’s son, although he escapes during the attack, Macbeth’s intent was to kill him too.
- Macduff’s wife – Macbeth orders her murder as part of his quest to eliminate any threats to his throne.
- Macduff’s children – they are also killed under Macbeth’s orders.
While there are other deaths that occur in the play, such as those in battle and due to collateral damage, these are the key individuals Macbeth directly kills or orders to be killed. Ultimately, Macbeth’s actions lead to a spiral of violence and tragedy, culminating in his own downfall.