Meet Macbeth!

How is Macbeth introduced through in/direct characterization?
Macbeth is introduced indirectly through a speech given by the sergeant. He is introduced as a brave and courageous war hero who, although, gets more attention than the other noblemen.

What elements of foreshadowing do the witches provide?
"Fair is foul, and foul is fair." This quote is spoken by the witches throughout the play and it hints/foreshadows the entire play for the reader. It foreshadows that good/fair things in life will not always be necessarily good and that the bad things will not always be bad.

How does Shakespeare's approach to exposition give the reader background information about the setting and characters and a sense of what's to come without spoiling the play?
In the exposition, the witches say that Macbeth will jump up two positions from the position he is in presently. This indicates that the two individuals who currently hold those two higher positions are somehow not only going to lose their position but die sometime during the play.

How does Shakespeare's characterization of Macbeth reflect a sense of tone (i.e., the author's attitude toward the character/s, audience, and/or subject matter)?
Shakespeare's characterization of Macbeth gives the reader the sense that he thinks very highly of Macbeth and that Macbeth is a royal man but in this tone he made it seem like Macbeth will experience a downfall and possibly become very disliked later on in the play. The authors tone is one that foreshadows and is constantly sarcastic/hinting to the reader that its not going to end in the way they expect it to. The genre of Macbeth is tragedy, so its tone is predominantly dark and depressing. The characterization of Macbeth reflects a tone of mishap and danger sometimes from his telling of events through violence

What themes appear evident in Macbeth's character and conduct? To what extent do you think these themes will drive the rest of the play?
The themes that appear evident in the short bit we read today of Macbeth's character and conduct are chaotic ambition, mysteries with violence endings, and the presence of danger. These themes drive Macbeth insane and cause him to murder the king by the end of the play. They also, on the other hand, show that Macbeth is a character of honor and royalty.