In the Tragedy of Macbeth, the most prevalent theme is the shifting of power in the central character's relationships. The play's main character, Macbeth, experiences a change in control of his relationships as he gains more power. Duncan is the most unlikely character to be killed due to his personality, but since he is the king of Scotland, Macbeth detests him. In the play there is a lot of interaction between Macbeth and Duncan, demonstrating the short time Macbeth gains more power. Before the witches' prophecies, Macbeth is loyal to Duncan and would never have imagined killing him. After one of the witches' prophecies comes true, the thought of killing Duncan, Macbeth "gives to that suggestion / whose hideous image loosens my hair / and makes my heart beat sitting at my ribs", proving that he would never initially imagined killing Duncan. (1.3.146-148) Partly because of Lady Macbeth's suggestion, his "vaulting ambition" is beginning to take over, and he begins to consider killing Duncan. (1.7.27) Macbeth, however, does not feel safe in killing Duncan, giving himself reasons not to kill him: “First of all, since I am his kinsman and his subject/… then, as his guest, /Who should against his murderer close the door / Bear not the knife myself", Lady Macbeth, convinces Macbeth, that killing Duncan is the right thing to do until just before he commits the murder. (1.7.13-16) After Macbeth kills Duncan, he he sees that Macbeth trusts and is faithful to Duncan, but knowing that he would one day become king, his ambition and Lady Macbeth's persuasion, lead him to do the deed, which he will regret. This murder, however, changes Macbeth as a person, and soon regrets having killed... middle of paper... anquo and his son Fleance, the prophesied heir to the throne, in which he states how Banquo "was your enemy", referring to the assassins, and how Banquo is also Macbeth's enemy, showing that the relationship between Macbeth and Banquo has changed from camaraderie to being on opposite sides. (3.1.130)In the Tragedy of Macbeth, Shakespeare uses Macbeth's complex character, to reveal a message about relationships. It shows that the more power one receives, the more naracistic that person will become and will only make decisions in their best interest. After Macbeth becomes king, all of his actions are based on maintaining his position in power and making sure that no one learns of his previous measures to become king. Works Cited Shakespeare, William. The tragedy of Macbeth. Boston: D.C. Heath and Company, 1915. Google Books. Network. 3 September. 2015.