Macbeth Character Analysis

Throughout the play Macbeth, the three witches, who are often referred to as the "weird sisters" are presented in only four scenes. However, Macbeth's fascinations among them are the major motivations of the play's actions. At the beginning (Act 1, Scene 1), the witches first appear, accompanied with their trademark of thunder and lightning. Quickly, they reveal their ability to predict and mold the future. In Act 1, Scene 3, the witches reappear with the same background. They make their prophecy known to Macbeth and Banquo. Later, in Act 3, Scene 5, Hecat lectures the witches for talking to Macbeth without involving her. In Act 4, Scene 1, Macbeth pays another visit to them.

The witches' beards, bizarre potions, and rhymed speech make them seem ridiculous like creatures of the supernatural world. They are not called witches in the play itself, but always "the weird sisters". Shakespeare has them speak in rhyming couplets which separates them from other characters who speak in blank verse.

They are clearly the most dangerous characters in the play, being powerful and wicked. They are described as having beards but looking human. They has the ability over controlling the winds and they can assume the shape of an animal with a defect, as the tailless rat. They each have a familiar, such as Graymalkin and Paddock.

The three witches are the elements of supernatural and prophecy in the play. They use their spells, charms, and prophecies to meddle in Macbeth's life. Without the three witches, the play would have been dull and tiresome.