Analysing the main character in 'Macbeth'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can make inferences and draw conclusions about the character of Macbeth.
Key learning points
- A protagonist is the leading character or one of the major characters in a narrative.
- Macbeth is the protagonist of Shakespeare's ’Macbeth’.
- Inner conflict is a key theme in many of Shakespeare's plays.
- We can make inferences about characters' feelings and personalities based on their actions, expressions and words.
- Macbeth is a highly conflicted character.
Keywords
Protagonist - the leading character or one of the major characters in a narrative
Conflict - an ongoing disagreement or argument
Inference - using reasoning or evidence to draw conclusions
Theme - a central idea that the writer intends the audience to engage deeply with
Common misconception
In Task A, pupils might need support in identifying what each still from the animation is showing.
Look at each image and prompt pupils with questions such as 'Who is this character?'.
Teacher tip
Pupils could act out different parts of the play to support their understanding of the plot.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.'Macbeth' is a play written by which playwright?
Q2.Who is the main character in the play 'Macbeth'?
Q3.What kind of play is 'Macbeth'?
Q4.In the opening scene (Act 1, Scene 1) of 'Macbeth' three witches meet on a heath. What do they do when they meet?
Q5.The opening scene sets a ...
Q6.After writing a piece of work, we should ...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a protagonist in a play?
Q2.Who is Macbeth with when he meets the witches on the heath?
Q3.What do the witches say when they meet Macbeth and Banquo on the heath?
Q4.Order the events in chronological order.
Q5.Which of the following adjectives would you use to describe Macbeth?
Q6.Which of the following are themes in the play 'Macbeth'?
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Analysing the main character in 'Macbeth', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Analysing the main character in 'Macbeth', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the Shakespeare's 'Macbeth': narrative and soliloquy writing unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.