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Duncan

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(Duncan) (Malcolm) (Donalbain) (Macbeth) (Lady Macbeth) (Banquo) (Fleance) (Macduff) (Lady Macduff) (Lennox) (Siward) (Hecate) (The Three Murderers)

I am King Duncan! Bow and obey me!

The good king of Scotland who is murdered by Macbeth. Duncan is the model of a virtuous, benevolent, and farsighted ruler. He stikingly contrasts with the evil which surrounds Macbeth. He is an important symbol of values that are to be destroyed and restored. His first misplaced trust in Cawdor and then Macbeth sets atmosphere of betrayal for the play.

The historical Duncan was only a few years older than Macbeth. Shakespeare changed the age so that Macbeth's crime was more apalling. Also, Macbeth in real life did not murder Duncan but usurped him with a civil war. They were first cousins and grandsons of Malcolm II. Shakespeare came up with his version of Duncan's death from an earlier royal assassination, that of Malcolm II's uncle, King Duff.

Macbeth