Shakespeare presents excessive ambition as a fatal character flaw — it causes Macbeth to murder King Duncan and become a tyrant. The play warns against the corruption of power and presents characters that resist the lure of ambition, such as Banquo, as role models.

Shakespeare presents loyalty as a valuable trait. Macbeth is rewarded for his loyalty and is deeply ashamed of his thoughts of regicide. Loyal characters such as Banquo and Macduff are presented as moral role models.

Throughout the play, Macbeth wrestles with his conscience. Shakespeare presents Macbeth as an equivocator to demonstrate the struggle between good and evil.

The role of fate is ambiguous within the play. Shakespeare seems to suggest that fate might determine outcomes, but the tragedy results from Macbeth's own choices and actions. An over-reliance on fate, Shakespeare suggests, can lead to complacency.

Shakespeare presents different forms of kingship. Duncan is a good king, whereas the tyrannical Macbeth becomes a 'butcher' and a 'tyrant'. Shakespeare uses imagery to suggest Macbeth's unnatural and illegitimate rule. The qualities of loyalty and nature become preoccupations of both Duncan and Macbeth.

The supernatural is presented as a malign force that cannot be trusted. The witches are called "juggling fiends" by Macbeth at the end of the play, and their prophecies prove untrustworthy — showing that the supernatural cannot be relied upon.

Shakespeare raises questions about masculinity and traditional gender roles. Initially Macbeth is courageous and brave, but Lady Macbeth presents him as indecisive. Later, Macbeth becomes a ruthless murderer, rejecting traditional notions of masculinity. The role of men as fathers is also explored — Banquo and Macduff both value fatherhood as key to masculinity, while Macbeth has no children.

"Nothing is as it appears" is a key paradox. Illusion and false promises are common throughout the play. Lady Macbeth encourages Macbeth to play the role of a loyal servant to Duncan whilst secretly plotting against him. There is uncertainty and mistrust throughout.