“If you want to test a man's character, give him power” ~Abraham LincolnThe dictionary defines power as the ability or ability to direct or influence behavior of others or the course of events. Macbeth is a well-written tragedy where it is clear that power is an evil force that exerts reprehensible influence over specific individuals. Lady Macbeth is an intelligent, strong-willed, ambitious and power-seeking woman. However, this ambition and sheer cruelty pushes her husband towards the desperate act of murder. Lady Macbeth is the puppeteer and Macbeth the puppet. In order to satisfy her lust for power, Lady Macbeth is willing to deceive her husband. Macbeth, on the other hand, was a loyal soldier, whose ambitious nature, with the help of his overbearing wife, is reduced to a cold-blooded murderer. As the play progresses, conversely, Macbeth becomes the one who is unyielding in his determination to protect his claim to the throne while Lady Macbeth, who cannot rejoice in the death of her victim, becomes delusional and suffers overwhelming guilt. This essay will explore how ambitious power, in its time, alters both the roles and character of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth and results in their ultimate destruction. Macbeth is a soldier devoted to his country and his king. In fact, King Duncan is so impressed by Macbeth's loyalty and service to his country that he crowns him Thane of Cawdor. “For brave Macbeth, (well, he deserves the name)/Disdaining fortune, with his brandished steel” (1. 2.16,17). However, when Macbeth hears the witches' prophecy that he will become king in due time (1.3.48-50), he begins to consider ways to become the next king. "The Prince of Cumberland: it is a step/On which I must fall,...... middle of paper...... state and sleep deny him his comfort and relief so she eliminates the pain of evil gained power by committing suicide Lady Macbeth, once vivacious and bossy, becomes an unstable and disturbed woman who eventually commits suicide. Ambition clearly has the ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or. The course of events in Macbeth ends up being reversed. Macbeth becomes the puppeteer and Lady Macbeth, the puppet. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth changes from a brave, loyal, and honored person to an immoral, ambitious, and murderous man. Lady Macbeth, a once controlling and aspirational woman, ultimately becomes a paranoid, psychotic woman. ambitious power brings Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's premature ruin..