What effect does Banquo's character have on the play 'Macbeth'?

Answer 1

=The brave, noble general whose children, according to the witches' prophecy, will inherit the Scottish throne. Like Macbeth, Banquo thinks ambitious thoughts, but he does not translate those thoughts into action. In a sense, Banquo's character stands as a rebuke to Macbeth, since he represents the path Macbeth chose not to take: a path in which ambition need not lead to betrayal and murder. Appropriately, then, it is Banquo's ghost-and not Duncan's-that haunts Macbeth. In addition to embodying Macbeth's guilt for killing Banquo, the ghost also reminds Macbeth that he did not emulate Banquo's reaction to the witches' prophecy.=

Answer 2

Banquo is portrayed as Macbeth's counterpart. He challenges the witches to fortell his future, yet remains skeptical of the enitre encounter whereas Macbeth chooses to embrace the prediction. Banquo represents the person who remained loyal to the heavens and God, in contrast to Macbeth who prays to the evil spirits.

Answer 3

Banquo was a foil to Macbeth, because when him and Macbeth visited the witches, they said his sons would become kings, and Macbeth felt that his position would be challenged if they learnt that Macbeth killed the king, Banquo's sons would do the same

Answer 4

They are both warriors, essentially fighting men. But they are also thinking men, both capable of subtle thought. What makes them different is that Macbeth's closest relationship is with his wife, whereas Banquo's is with his son; Banquo is used to leading Fleance, whereas Macbeth is led by his wife.

Answer 5

Banquo's character has three effects on the Shakespearean play. The first effect is showing to readers and viewers the bravery that he and fellow General and friend Macbeth [c. 1014-August 15, 1057] share on the battlefield. The second effect is bringing out the fatal flaw in the hero's character. The witches' prediction of the Scottish crown for Macbeth and of a monopoly over the Scottish throne by Banquo's descendants brings out the raging ambition that Macbeth and his Lady [b. c. 1015] barely hold in check. The third effect is taking the first step towards the Macbeths' downfall. The slitting of Banquo's throat by Macbeth's hired murderers signals the beginning of the end for the King and his Queen. Things go in Macbeth's favor until Banquo's murder and his son Fleance's escape. For example, after Banquo's death, Macbeth has Macduff's entire family and household slaughtered. But Macduff escapes, to come back and behead Macbeth.