Servant is a minor character in William Shakespeare's play Macbeth. Although Servant's role is brief, their actions have a significant impact on the plot. Servant is a loyal and dedicated member of the Macbeth household, serving as a messenger between Lady Macbeth and her husband.
Throughout the play, Servant's primary responsibility is to deliver messages and updates to Macbeth from Lady Macbeth, who often uses Servant as a means of communication due to their trustworthiness and discretion. Servant's role is crucial in the development of the plot, as they bring important news and instructions to Macbeth, influencing his decisions and actions.
One of the most significant moments involving Servant occurs in Act III, Scene 4. Macbeth is hosting a banquet and is surprised by the appearance of Banquo's ghost. As Macbeth becomes increasingly disturbed by the ghost's presence, Lady Macbeth attempts to calm him and reassure the guests. In this tense and chaotic scene, Servant is called upon to deliver a message to Macbeth.
Servant's interaction with Macbeth in this scene is brief but impactful. They approach Macbeth and inform him that "Macduff denies his person at our great bidding." This news unsettles Macbeth even further, as it suggests that Macduff, a nobleman he suspects of disloyalty, has refused to attend the banquet. This revelation fuels Macbeth's growing paranoia and contributes to his later decision to have Macduff's family murdered.
While Servant's role may seem minor in comparison to the main characters, their presence and actions are instrumental in driving the plot forward. Servant's loyalty and dedication to the Macbeths make them a vital part of the narrative, and their delivery of crucial messages significantly impacts the decisions and actions of the play's protagonists.