Macduff

We obviously see the events that take place in the play from Macbeth's point of view, but I feel that not nearly enough time was spent exploring the character that eventually defeats the tyrant and makes everything right again in Scotland. I believe that Macduff is a clear foil for Macbeth because he does everything correctly morally speaking while Macbeth does everything wrong. I think that if Macduff's character had been utilized to his full potential, a more clear message of right vs. wrong could have been communicated.

Both Macbeth and Macduff were thanes at the beginning of the play. While in theory they should both be fiercely loyal to their king and country, we soon find out that this is not true of Macbeth. Macbeth was swayed by the desires of his wife and his own need for power. In contrast, nothing caused Macduff to veer from fulfilling his duties. He even left his family behind for the sake of Scotland. He didn't want to do this, and he felt terribly about it, but it was the best course of action. Even Ross assures Lady Macbeth that he has done what was right.

I think Macduff could have been helpful in communicating the message of the play if the sharp contrast between him and Macbeth had been emphasized more.