"A dynamic character is an individual that undergoes a drastic character change or revelation.""[1] Lady Macbeth is an ideal example of this type of character. At the beginning of the play "Macbeth", written by Shakespeare, Lady Macbeth can be perceived as a manipulative and deeply ambitious person, which implies an overall sinister-like quality. However, as the play progresses, Lady Macbeth's character changes to one that seems deeply regretful for her actions. Through Lady Macbeth's interactions and statements the reader views her transformation from a sinister being into a remorseful soul.
In the opening of the play, Lady Macbeth is an extremely manipulative individual that essentially has the power to control her husband's actions. This is evident through the plot and ultimately the death of King Duncan. Lady Macbeth insulted her husbands manhood stating: "What beast was't then that made you break this enterprise to me? When you durst do it then you were a man; And to be more than what you were, you would be so much more the man."(I, VII, 52-64). This statement reinforces her manipulative manner, which provides crucial and important information about Lady Macbeth's character. In essence, this attack towards Macbeth introduces a pivotal theme of the play: the relationship between gender and violence. .
Lady Macbeth links masculinity to violence and thereby she has to resort to influential measures in order to achieve her goals. She claims that he is not manly enough because he is hesitant of performing the violent deed of murdering the King. Her mockery of her husband serves a dual purpose of developing her as well as Macbeth's character. The sarcastic tone reveals the dominating personality of Lady Macbeth, which is significant in influencing Macbeth during later part of the play to succumb to darkness of treachery and bloodshed. Which also intensifies her fiendish attributes. Lady Macbeth has the ability to override all her husband's hesitation and manipulate him into undertaking these murderous acts.
