Macduff is a thane of Scotland. Macduff's refusal to attend Macbeth's coronation (2.4) may indicate early distrust of Macbeth. It is unclear whether his leaving his wife behind when he visits Malcolm shows lack of care or underestimation of Macbeth's cruelty. He is surprised by Malcolm's testing of his loyalty in 4.3, but commits to the battle against Macbeth with the news of his family's murder. It is he, born by Caesarean section ("untimely ripped" from his mother's womb), who fulfills the prophecy for the person who can kill Macbeth.