One of Shakespeare's greatest skills as a dramatist was his ability to create a strong interest in minor characters very quickly and to set those minor characters in relation to the play's major characters, events, and themes. These minor characters have seemingly small roles but are very important to the story. Shakespeare's skill in characterization is distinctly shown through his presentation of the minor characters.

In Scene 2 of Act Four, Shakespeare shows his talent in the presentation of Lady Macduff and her son. Almost immediately, as these two minor characters are revealed we begin to show concern and worry for them. Lady Macduff is worried about her husband who has fled the land. She is greatly troubled because he has left her and their son. She tells her son that his father is dead and that he is a traitor, but he doesn't believe her. Lady Macduff asks...