Dramatic Functions of Minor Characters By Matt Dans and Sandra Schaber

In William Shakespeare's tragedy “Macbeth” dramatic functions are served by both, major and minor characters. The character of the Porter provides comic relief to lighten the mood of the play in between dramatic events. The old man advances the plot with regard to Macbeth's fate. These three characters are examples of important dramatic functions served by minor characters. Introduction

Porter Shakespeare uses the character of the Porter to provide comic relief in between what are arguable two of the most intense scenes in the play. Quotation 1- “If a man were porter of/ Hell-gate, he should have old turn the key” [ act 2 scene 3 lines 1-2] During the time when the play was written this topic would have been viewed as comical, but presently is also viewed as situational irony because the porter is the gate keeper of Macbeth's castle and is pretending to be the gate keeper of hell shortly after the highest form of treason against God was committed in Macbeth's castle.

Porter Quotation 2- “Faith, sir, we were carousing till the second cock;/ And drink, sir, is a great provoker of three things” [act 2, scene 3, lines 24-25] This exchange between the porter and Macduff is in place solely to lighten the mood for the audience before the play becomes even more dark and twisted than before. Transition- The character of the porter is used to provide the audience with comic relief, but also contributes to the mood of the play through irony.

The old man The old man creates a scary atmosphere with the help of pathetic fallacy and symbolism. Quotation 1- “This unnatural, / Even like the deed that’s done. On Tuesday last/ A falcon tow’ring in her pride of place, / Was by a mousing owl hawk’d at and kill’d.” (Act 2, Scene 4, lines 11 to 15) The example of the owl killing the falcon is pathetic fallacy and shows that something went out of order and it is a symbol for Macbeth, as an owl, killing the king who would be the falcon.

The old man Quotation 2- When Ross says that the horses escaped and went crazy, the old man adds that the horses ate each other. (Act 2, Scene 4, lines 16-22) This quotation also contends a strong example of pathetic fallacy because the fact that horses ate each other really contributes to the mood that is supposed to be created in our mind because of Duncan’s murder. Transition- The old man is used by Shakespeare to convey the mood and atmosphere of the play leaving room for other characters to develop the plot.

Hecate The character of Hecate is used to advance the plot by revealing what is to become of Macbeth. Quotation 1- “Meet me i’ the morning; thither he/ Will come to know his destiny/ … this night I’ll spend/ Unto a dismal an a fatal end.” (Act 3, Scene 5, lines 16-21) This quotation is foreshadowing that the prophecies provided by the witches will lead to Macbeth’s death.

Hecate Quotation 2- “And you all know security/ Is mortals’ chiefest enemy.” (Act 3, Scene 5, lines 32-33) By saying this Hecate advances the plot by informing the reader on how she intends to use a false sense of security to lure Macbeth to his downfall. Transition- These traits in turn led to the final demise of Macbeth.

Conclusion These three characters illustrate the importance of dramatic functions served by minor characters. By using the Porter, the old man and Hecate to develop the plot and reveal a certain mood, Shakespeare succesfully provides minor characters with significant dramatic roles.