The role of Banquo in Macbeth is a foil to Macbeth, the voice of reason and to show us the importance of the natural order and the maintenance of virtue when confronted with evil.

In Macbeth, Banquo is a foil to the character of Macbeth. He is everything Macbeth is not: kind, virtuous, loyal and astute. Banquo's character is a reference point to which we can measure the degeneration of Macbeth. However, in the beginning in the play, they are good friends, equivalent in rank and status. We know this because the King, when asking after them says "Dismayed not this, Our Captains, Macbeth and Banquo"" . This shows, at least in the King's eyes, that they are equal in rank. They are also both alike in dignity and valour. However, they are different, and this first arises in each man's reaction to the salute of the witches. Macbeth...