Duncan is Macbeth's murder victim in the Shakespeare play Macbeth. Duncan is the incumbent Thane of Cawdor. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth plot to kill Duncan and take over his reign, and Macbeth stabs Duncan.
According to the Shakespearean play 'Macbeth', Duncan I [d. August 14, 1040] was the King of Scotland. He was the father of the future Kings Malcolm III [d. November 13, 1093] and Donald III [d. 1099]. He was the cousin and murder victim of Macbeth [c. 1014-August 15, 1057]. He was the equivalent of Commander-in-Chief to his Generals Macbeth and Banquo. He appeared to be the close acquaintance of the noble Scotsmen Angus, Caithness, Lennox, Macduff, Menteith, and Ross.
William Shakespeare (Baptized April 26, 1564 - April 23, 1616) did not provide too much information about any one of his characters in the play "Macbeth." Instead, he preferred to hint at each person's character through their conversations, self-talks, and the speeches of others.
For example, King Duncan I (d. August 14, 1040) appeared in brief conversations with others before his murder in Act 2 Scene 2. In his first appearance, in Act 1 Scene 2, he appeared to have a reactive, trusting character. He interviewed the Sergeant on the course and outcome of at least two battles. He made insightful observations, and took the Sergeant at his word. His first appearance ended with his taking action on what he had learned.
The real Duncan was Macbeth's cousin, and ruled as King of Scotland from 1034 to 1040. He was reported in the chronicles to be unusually young for a king and succeeded his grandfather Malcolm II, so may actually have been younger than Macbeth. Macbeth may have been his mentor as suggested by his title dux while Duncan reigned. In any case Duncan died fighting against rebel Scotsmen after invading Moray (Macbeth's territory). Macbeth led the army which defeated and killed him and succeeded him as king. Macbeth reigned from 1040 to 1057, about three times as long as Duncan, and was succeeded by his stepson Lulach.
"I" said Macbeth, "with the servants' daggers. I killed Macbeth."
Duncan and Macbeth are cousins. Therefore, they are bound by kinship. They are also bound by subject and host, as Macbeth is hosting Duncan as his guest.
Macbeth kills Duncan in his own castle at night time.
The reaction between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth is initially very different after they kill Duncan. Lady Macbeth is enthusiastic but Macbeth regrets his actions.
The Prophecy says Macbeth will be king. Duncan is king. Macbeth cannot be king while Duncan is king. Duncan will not be king when he is dead. Therefore, make Duncan dead.
why was macbeth releuctant to kill duncan
Duncan plans to spend the night at a hotel nearby.
"I" said Macbeth, "with the servants' daggers. I killed Macbeth."
Duncan and Macbeth are cousins. Therefore, they are bound by kinship. They are also bound by subject and host, as Macbeth is hosting Duncan as his guest.
Macbeth was not a vassal of King Duncan. Macbeth's act of killing King Duncan would be considered regicide because he unlawfully killed his king, who was his sovereign and ruler.
Macbeth kills Duncan's grooms after Macduff discovers the body.
Macbeth kills Duncan in his own castle at night time.
They were killed by Macbeth because he blamed them for Duncan's murder.
Macbeth stabbed him when he was asleep.
To inherit Duncan's Throne
The reaction between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth is initially very different after they kill Duncan. Lady Macbeth is enthusiastic but Macbeth regrets his actions.
The traitor of King Duncan was Macbeth, who was the one who ordered his execution in the play "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth conspired to murder King Duncan in order to seize power.