Malcolm Character Analysis in Macbeth

The older of King Duncan's two sons, and Duncan's designated heir to the throne of Scotland. Early in the play, Malcolm is a weak and inexperienced leader, and he actually flees Scotland in fear after his father is murdered. But Malcolm matures, and with the help of Macduff and an English army, Malcolm eventually overthrows Macbeth and retakes the throne, restoring the order that was destroyed when Duncan was murdered.

Malcolm Character Timeline in Macbeth

The timeline below shows where the character Malcolm appears in Macbeth. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

At a military camp, King Duncan of Scotland, his sons Malcolm and Donalbain, and the Thane of Lennox wait for news of the war. A captain... (full context)

At a camp near the battlefield, Malcolm tells Duncan that the old Thane of Cawdor confessed and repented before being executed. Duncan... (full context)

...thee, and will labour to make thee full of growing" (1.4.28-29). Next, he announces that Malcolm will be heir to the Scottish throne (the kingship was not hereditary in Scotland at... (full context)

Macbeth goes ahead to prepare for the King's visit, but notes that Malcolm now stands between him and the throne. He begs the stars to "hide your fires,... (full context)

Duncan, Malcolm, Donalbain, Banquo, Lennox, Macduff, Ross, and Angus arrive at Inverness. Duncan comments on the sweetness... (full context)

...and runs onstage. Macbeth and Lennox ask what happened, then run to Duncan's chamber. Banquo, Malcolm, and Donalbain wake. Lady Macbeth enters, pretending not to know what happened, and expressing horror... (full context)

The thanes agree to meet in the hall to discuss what's happened. Malcolm and Donalbain, though, remain behind. They realize that one of the thanes is probably the... (full context)

Macduff enters. He says it seems Duncan's attendants did commit the murder, and that because Malcolm and Donalbain fled they likely were behind the plot. (full context)

...and the too great similarities between the murders of Duncan and Banquo, with Donalbain and Malcolm accused of the first and Fleance blamed for the second. (full context)

Macduff, the lord says, has gone to England to meet with Malcolm and try to get the English King Edward and his lords to gather an army... (full context)

Both men hope Macduff remains safe and soon returns with the armies of Malcolm and England to free Scotland from Macbeth. (full context)

In England, near the palace of King Edward, Macduff urges Malcolm to quickly raise an army against Macbeth. But Malcolm says Macduff might actually be working... (full context)

Malcolm then adds that he delays attacking Macbeth because he fears that he himself would perhaps... (full context)

Just then an English doctor enters. Malcolm speaks with the doctor, then tells Macduff that King Edward of England is so saintly... (full context)

Ross enters. He tells Malcolm that if he invaded the Scottish people would line up to join his army against... (full context)

Lennox and other Scottish lords and soldiers discuss the situation: Malcolm and his army are at Birnam Wood. Macbeth, in a constant rage verging on madness,... (full context)

...who follow him do so out of fear, not love. The lords ride to join Malcolm. (full context)

Macbeth dismisses all reports about Malcolm's army, saying he'll fear nothing until Birnam Wood marches to Dunsinane and mocking Malcolm as... (full context)

In Birnam Wood, Malcolm walks with Macduff, Siward, Young Siward, and others Scottish and English lords. Malcolm gives orders... (full context)

Malcolm orders his men to throw down the branches they carry. The first charge against Dunsinane... (full context)

Malcolm and Siward meet. They have easily captured the castle because Macbeth's men barely fight back. (full context)

Malcolm, Siward, Ross, and others enter. Ross tells Siward of Young Siward's death. Siward asks if... (full context)

Macduff enters, carrying Macbeth's severed head. He proclaims Malcolm to be King of Scotland and swears his loyalty. (full context)

Malcolm accepts the thanes' loyalty and makes them all earls (a higher rank). He pledges to... (full context)