Macduff’s wife. She is upset by her husband’s sudden flight to England, which she sees as an abandonment that leaves her and their children in danger.
A thane and family friend of the Macduffs. He tries to reassure Lady Macduff that her husband means well and that she is safe.
Macduff and Lady Macduff’s young son, who has a smart mouth. He has more faith in his father’s intentions.
A messenger who has defected from Macbeth’s service to warn the Macduffs of the impending attack.
Killers-for-hire in Macbeth’s employ, sent to kill the Macduffs.
Macduff’s wife, Lady Macduff, questions Ross about her husband fleeing to England. She doesn’t understand why he would leave his family defenseless at a time like this. Ross tries to reassure her, but no sooner does he leave than a messenger arrives to tell Lady Macduff and her son to run for their lives. But it’s too late—the murderers have arrived, and they kill her son. She flees, the murderers hot on her heels.
