Though brief, King Duncan’s time in the play serves to not only put into motion the tragedy to come but also to highlight the dark nature of the themes of violence and guilt once his death comes. Far from the most complex of characters, the audience gets the picture that Duncan is a good man and a magnanimous king, but not a strong one. From his often praising and kind words, it is clear his loyal subjects follow him due to being a good person rather than fearing him as their absolute ruler. This aspect provides an interesting contrast compared to his successor Macbeth, as due to the guilt and paranoia of murdering Duncan, he could never be the type of king Duncan was, resorting to rule through tyranny as his own power wasn’t as secure as Duncan’s. This is a pattern that emerges over and over again with Duncan throughout the play, as in typical Shakespearean irony, it is only after his death that Duncan’s influence as king is truly felt.
