1. Evaluating Macbeth Starter: What is a protagonist and an antagonist?
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Evaluating Macbeth
LO: To develop our evaluation skills surrounding key characters in Macbeth
Starter: What is a protagonist and an antagonist?
Use the pictures below to help you if you aren’t sure.
Protagonist: the leading character or one of the major characters in a play, film, novel, etc.
Antagonist: a person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an adversary.
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2. LO: To develop our evaluation skills surrounding key characters in Macbeth
How confident do you feel about the following statement? Rate yourself in your workbook on a scale of 1-5.
“I can effectively evaluate Macbeth’s character in the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare.”
1. Least Confident
5. Most Confident
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3. Characteristics of a Protagonist and Antagonist
LO: To develop our evaluation skills surrounding key characters in Macbeth
Characteristics of a Protagonist and Antagonist
Protagonist
Antagonist
Usually considered to be the hero of the story
Invokes trust or likeability from the reader
Brave and courageous
Has a relatable character flaw
Loyal to their cause, family and allies
These characters always oppose the protagonist
Usually the ‘bad guy’
Sometimes they are truly evil but they may just be rivals or bullies
Driven by evil motives or personal interests
Can you judge whether Macbeth is the protagonist or the antagonist? Discuss at your tables and be prepared to explain your answer.
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4. Macbeth as a Protagonist or Antagonist?
LO: To develop our evaluation skills surrounding key characters in Macbeth
Macbeth as a Protagonist or Antagonist?
Protagonist
Antagonist
Usually considered to be the hero of the story
Invokes trust or likeability from the reader
Brave and courageous
Has a relatable character flaw
Loyal to their cause, family and allies
These characters always oppose the protagonist
Usually the ‘bad guy’
Sometimes they are truly evil but they may just be rivals or bullies
Driven by evil motives or personal interests
Task: Draw a table like the one above. In each column, list evidence from the play that would prove Macbeth to be either a protagonist or an antagonist. Make sure you include evidence for both sides!
Challenge: find quotes from the play that back up your arguments.
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5. A student, after reading …. said “…” To what extent do you agree?
LO: To develop our evaluation skills surrounding key characters in Macbeth
In your English Language GCSE, one of the questions asks you to evaluate a statement based on a text you will read in the exam (an extract from a story/novel).
A student, after reading …. said “…” To what extent do you agree?
In your response, you could:
write about your own impressions of the characters
evaluate how the writer has created these impressions
support your opinions with references to the text.
[20 marks]
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6. LO: To develop our evaluation skills surrounding key characters in Macbeth
Task:
A student, after reading Macbeth said “Macbeth is definitely the protagonist in the play. Even though he has flaws the audience still wants him to succeed in the end.” To what extent do you agree?
In your response, you could:
write about your own impressions of the characters
evaluate how the writer has created these impressions
support your opinions with references to the text.
[20 marks]
Do YOU think Macbeth is a protagonist or antagonist in the play? Do you want to agree or disagree with the statement the student made? Record your answer.
Demonstrate

7. Task: Question Structure:
LO: To develop our evaluation skills surrounding key characters in Macbeth
Task:
A student, after reading Macbeth said “Macbeth is definitely the protagonist in the play. Even though he has flaws the audience still wants him to succeed in the end.” To what extent do you agree?
In your response, you could:
write about your own impressions of the characters
evaluate how the writer has created these impressions
support your opinions with references to the text.
[20 marks]
Question Structure:
I agree/disagree with the student that Macbeth is the protagonist in the play.
This is because…
This is shown when Shakespeare says “…”
The word/technique suggests/highlights…
This creates the impression that…
You have 20 minutes and should aim to write 3-4 paragraphs evaluating whether you agree or disagree with the student.
Demonstrate

8. LO: To develop our evaluation skills surrounding key characters in Macbeth
How confident do you now feel about the following statement? Re-rate yourself in your workbook on a scale of 1-5.
“I can effectively evaluate Macbeth’s character in the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare.”
1. Least Confident
5. Most Confident
Consolidate

9. Self Assessment Using the rubric below, give yourself a mark out of 20
LO: To develop our evaluation skills surrounding key characters in Macbeth
Self Assessment
Using the rubric below, give yourself a mark out of 20
Consolidate