The play Macbeth traces the downward spiral of Macbeth's character from a brave and loyal soldier to an ambitious, cold-blooded killer. Macbeth is the warrior hero of King Duncan's Scottish army. It is spoken of with great admiration. Macbeth is the Lord of Glamis for his courage and valor. He is loved for his loyalty to King Duncan and his courage on the battlefield. Macbeth further demonstrates his courage and loyalty when he defeats the rebellious Macdonald. The king rewards Macbeth by naming him Thane of Cawdor. There are many factors that contribute to Macbeth's spiral fall. 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 ambition that drove his desire to become king. First, Macbeth and Banquo's encounter with the three witches begins Macbeth's decline. On the way to the king's court, Macbeth and Banquo meet the witches. The witches hail Macbeth the Lord of Glamis and the Lord of Cawdor. They also declare that Macbeth will one day become king. The witches tell Banquo that he will never be king, but his descendants will. When Ross tells Macbeth that the king has made him Lord of Cawdor, Macbeth is amazed that the witches' prophecy has come true. The witches' prophecies stimulate Macbeth's thoughts about becoming king, which leads him towards evil. He would never have thought of killing the king before hearing the witches' prophecies. Without hesitation, he kills the king's chamberlains in false revenge. After killing the king, Macbeth focuses his attention on the witch's prophecy addressed to Banquo. He realizes that he must kill Banquo and his son Fleance to prevent Banquo... middle of paper... from becoming king and remaining king only to gratify his own desires and ambitions. Nothing and no one will be able to hinder him. Even at the end of the play, when Macbeth knows that he is doomed, he continues to fight with Macduff. His false sense of infinite ambition results in his own death. In conclusion, the character of Macbeth evolves from a brave and loyal soldier to an ambitious cold-blooded killer. The three specific factors that contribute to Macbeth's downfall are the witches' prophecies, Lady Macbeth's influence and manipulation, and finally Macbeth's selfish ambition. It's everyone's fault. From the witches' first prophecy that Macbeth will become king, to Lady Macbeth's plan to kill the king, to Macbeth's ambitious character, they all contribute to Macbeth's decline. From the loyal lord of Glamis to the tyrant king of Scotland, Macbeth's downward spiral results in his own death..