Another character trait for Macduff is his hostility toward Macbeth. He puts into action the campaign to dethrone Macbeth while he also personally seeks revenge against Macbeth for the murder of his wife and son.
In Act II, Scene 3, Banquo declares, "Fears and scruples shake us" (2.3.123), adding that he will fight against the "treasonous malice" which has killed Duncan. Hearing this declaration of Banquo's, Macduff joins in: "And so do I" (2.3.127). Macduff's loyalty to King Duncan and his family thus impels him to journey to England in order to obtain aid there from King Edward and Lord Siward so that Macbeth can be removed and Duncan's son Malcolm be crowned as the rightful king.
Later, in Act V, Macduff returns to Scotland with Malcolm, the rightful heir to the throne of Scotland. There in Dunsinane Macduff confronts Macbeth with hostility, calling him a "bloodier villain" than words can describe. But, Macbeth refuses to fight him, saying,
I bear a charmed life which must not yield
To one of woman born. (5.8.12-13)
When Macduff reveals that it was he who was not "woman born" since he was taken from his dead mother's womb, Macbeth then realizes that the witches' prediction is about to become true. Still, he refuses to yield to Macduff. So, the hostile Macduff calls Macbeth a coward and a tyrant. Enraged by Macduff's hostility toward him, Macbeth then declares he "will try the last" and fights, but is defeated by the avenging Macduff.
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