Shakespeare’s play Macbeth has become a classic, not just because of the fascinating plot but also because of its fully developed, realistic characters. This play has been described as “a powerful study of the ruin of a human soul.” The main character Macbeth is an especially interesting character to analyze because he does not begin the play as the villain. Instead, Macbeth is a tragic hero because he had been greatly admired, gave into temptation, and was never able to bring himself to repent. In the beginning of the play, Macbeth is glowingly described by another soldier as brave and loyal in battle. Macbeth also possesses great military and determination. Even though he knew he would die, he refused to yield in his last fight. King Duncan, his comrades, and all of Scotland loved Macbeth as a great hero, but he was not satisfied. Instead, he listened to the witches’ prophecy that he would become king and began plotting a way to secure the throne. Macbeth’s lust for power corrupted all of his honorable traits as he gave into temptation. Macbeth first gave into temptation in his mind. As he considered murdering King Duncan, he sinned. Soon his thoughts turned into actions, and he personally murdered the king. However, Macbeth did not stop, and his murders grew as he attempted to secure the kingdom for himself. He eventually became so hardened to sin that he killed his best friend Banquo as well as the wife and children of Macduff, a Scottish lord who distrusted Macbeth and wanted to see the rightful heir come to the throne. More victims died as Macbeth feared an overthrow of his kingdom. Macbeth knew his