Lady Macbeth Characters

Macbeth’s father, who is murdered by Gilcomgan and Gilcomgan’s brother when Macbeth is just a child. Although Finlach never appears in the novel, he is said to be an impressive warrior and warlord, who taught his son how to fight and rule early on.

Farquhar’s young orphaned son, Gruadh’s nephew, and Bodhe’s grandson. He is killed by agents of King Malcolm in the same ambush that kills Bodhe and Fergus.

Gruadh’s maidservant and one of her childhood friends. Aella is Saxon by birth, but was raised in Scotland.

One of Gruadh’s cousins, and mother of Bethoc. She is a healing woman who has some knowledge of divination, and helps Gruadh untangle some of her earliest visions.

Lulach’s wife, and the daughter of Thorfin Sigurdsson. A gentle and pious woman.

His full name is Malsnechtan. The son of Ingebjorg and Lulach, and grandson of Gruadh.

Gruadh’s older brother, and the son of Bodhe. He is murdered by warriors representing Crinan when Gruadh is a child. He has one son, Malcolm mac Farquhar, who is murdered a decade later.

One of Gruadh’s two sons with Macbeth. He dies at only two years old. In Gaelic his name is Ferchar, meaning “very dear one.”

One of Bodhe’s warriors. Father of Ruari, Angus, and others. He is one of the first men tasked with training Gruadh how to fight. He dies with Bodhe when King Malcolm’s agents ambush them.

Bodhe’s foster son. A blacksmith. As teens, he and Gruadh carry on a brief but intense affair, which he cuts off. Later in life, they become close friends, and he even secretly forges her armor.

Son of Fergus. He serves as a warrior for Bodhe, and then for Macbeth.

Son of Fergus. He serves as a warrior for Bodhe, and then for Macbeth.

Macbeth’s uncle and the thane of Banchorrie. He becomes close to Gruadh when he sends her a messenger alerting her to her husband Gilcomgan’s death, before Macbeth arrives at Elgin to forcibly wed her. Constantine is a lifelong ally of the couple, often providing advice and support.

Macbeth’s household bard. Dermot is also an astrologer, and is able to tell the future based on maps he makes of the stars. He tells Lulach’s future for Gruadh and Macbeth after the young boy’s birth.

Bodhe’s personal bard.

The Viking who attempts to rape Gruadh during her time as Thorfin Sigurdsson’s captive. Thorfin kills him as punishment, and as a peace offering to Gruadh.

A warrior woman from Gaelic legend, who was said to have defended the Isle of Skye against invaders. She is often invoked by Gruadh, who uses her as a historical precedent to justify learning how to use a sword herself.

The Gaelic goddess of healing, childbirth, and poetry.

Gruadh’s little sister, and Bodhe and Ailsa’s daughter. Both Brigid and Ailsa die soon after her birth.

Also known by his formal name of Dubh mac Dubh, Duff is Gruadh’s cousin, although she does not trust him and has no fondness for him. An ally of King Malcolm and later Duncan, Malcolm installs Duff as mormaer of Fife after Bodhe’s murder.

The Saxon King in the latter half of the novel. He forms an alliance with Malcolm mac Duncan.

An old woman who gives Gruadh prophecies about her own and Macbeth's life.

A Saxon king with whom King Malcolm meets in order to has out Scotland's southern border.

A cousin of Macbeth's, who along with Gilcomgan murders Macbeth's father Finlach in order to gain power.

Gruadh's aunt, who gives Gruadh pagan charms to leave with the bodies of Gruadh's mother and baby sister after her mother and sister die in childbirth.