[Bradley asserts that Banquo is influenced by the Weird Sisters "much more truly than Macbeth." According to the critic, Banquo essentially loses his innocence when he acquiesces to Macbeth's method if accession, even though he suspects Macbeth of committing Duncan's murder. When Banquo willingly complies with Macbeth's rise to power, Bradley argues, he reveals his own secret hope that the witches' prediction concerning his descendants will also come true. For a reaction to this reading of Banquo, see the excerpt below by Leo Kirschbaum For other commentary on the character, see the excerpts by Irving Ribner and Walter Clyde Curry.]

The main interest of the character of Banquo arises from the changes that take place in him, and from the influence of the Witches upon him. And it is curious that Shakespeare's intention here is so frequently missed. Banquo being at first strong ly contrasted with Macbeth...