The play Macbeth traces the downward spiral of Macbeth's character from a brave and loyal soldier to an ambitious and cold-blooded murderer. Macbeth is the warrior hero of King Duncan's Scottish army. We speak of him with great admiration. Macbeth is the Thane of Glamis because of his courage and bravery. He is loved for his loyalty to King Duncan and his bravery on the battlefield. Macbeth further proves his bravery and loyalty by defeating the rebel Macdonald. The king rewards Macbeth by naming him Thane of Cawdor. Many factors contribute to Macbeth's spiraling downfall. The three main factors that greatly contribute to Macbeth's decline are the prophecies told to him by the witches, Lady Macbeth's influence and ability to manipulate Macbeth's judgment, and finally Macbeth's own ambition which motivated his desire to 'to be king. First, Macbeth and Banquo's encounter with the three witches begins Macbeth's decline. On their way to the king's court, Macbeth and Banquo encounter the witches. The witches greet Macbeth, the Thane of Glamis and the Thane of Cawdor. They also declare that Macbeth will be king one day. The witches tell Banquo that he will never be king, but his descendants will. When Ross tells Macbeth that the king has made him the Thane of Cawdor, Macbeth is amazed that the witches' prophecy has come true. The witches' prophecies fuel Macbeth's thoughts about becoming king, which leads him toward evil. He would never have thought of killing the king until he heard the witches' prophecies. Without hesitation, he assassinates the king's chamberlains in false revenge. After murdering the king, Macbeth then focuses his attention on the witches' prophecy regarding Banquo. He realizes that he must kill Banquo and his son Fleance to prevent Banquo...... middle of paper ...... being king and remaining king only to satisfy his own desires and ambitions. No one and nothing will stand in his way. Even at the end of the play, when Macbeth knows he is doomed, he continues to fight with Macduff. His false sense of endless ambition leads to his own death. In conclusion, Macbeth's character goes from being a brave and loyal soldier to a cold-blooded ambitious murderer. The three specific factors contributing to Macbeth's downfall are the witches' prophecies, Lady Macbeth's influence and manipulation, and finally Macbeth's selfish ambition. Everyone is guilty. From the witches' first prophecy that Macbeth will be king, to Lady Macbeth's plan to kill the king, to Macbeth's ambitious character, each contributes to Macbeth's decline. From loyal Thane of Glamis to tyrant King of Scotland, Macbeth's downward spiral brings about his own death..