As Shakespeare's tragic story of ambition unfolds, the two central characters, Lady Macbeth and the title character Macbeth, undergo a dramatic change of dominance in their relationship. At the beginning of the play the pair act as a team, plotting Duncan's death to further their mutual bloodthirsty ambition. Lady Macbeth shows her power over Macbeth early when she questions her husband's manhood and devotion to her when he gets cold feet. As Macbeth's confidence slowly grows and the witches proclaim a positive future for him, he begins to separate from his wife, planning Banquo's murder without telling him and no longer being susceptible to his insults. By the end of the play the roles have completely reversed and Lady Macbeth descends into guilt-fueled madness as Macbeth prepares to fight to keep his throne. This essay will explore the relationship between Macbeth and his wife, paying particular attention to the previously mentioned scenes. The first interaction between Macbeth and his wife occurs in the form of a letter. He writes to Lady Macbeth telling her of the prophecies he received from three witches. Explain that these prophecies proclaim that Macbeth will become king. He writes: I thought it best to free you, my dearest companion of greatness, so that you would not lose the debts of joy, ignoring what greatness is promised to you. (1.5.10-13)He refers to his wife as 'my dearest companion of greatness', signifying his deep love and admiration for her. Knowing that his wife would like the idea of ​​him becoming king, which would bring with the title much power and wealth, Macbeth offers her the prophecy as a gift. When Lady Macbeth reads the letter, she goes... halfway down the page... tries to keep her and her husband together by talking to him about how they are coping with what they have done. He begins to talk about the danger to his throne posed by Banquo and suggests that something will be done about it. Lady Macbeth asks him what he is planning, but he replies: Be innocent of knowledge, dearest Chuck, / Till you applaud the deed (3.2.46). He uses 'Chuck' as an affectionate but condescending name for her, saying that she need not worry about Banquo until it is time to applaud him for his action. Macbeth now has the upper hand in their relationship, putting her down and making it clear that he no longer needs her to help him plot his murders. Lady Macbeth does not challenge him. Works Cited Shakespeare, William. The tragedy of Macbeth. Boston: D.C. Heath and Company, 1915. Google Books. Network. 3 September. 2015.