Ross is the "messenger Thane," and if he visits you early in the play, all is good; but if visits you in the later acts, you had better sit down, because it's not good news.
In Act I, Ross brings good news. He tells Duncan of Macbeth and Banquo's valiance in defeat of Norway. Later, he tells Macbeth that he is Thane of Cawdor.
In Act IV, Ross informs Lady Macduff that her husband has left them for England. She calls her husband a coward, and right after Ross leaves, Lady Macduff and her son are murdered.
Later in Act IV, Ross goes to England to conference with Malcolm and Macduff, who plan invasion. Macduff asks on news of his family, but Ross is reluctant to relay it. Then, after some prodding, Ross says that Macduff's castle is surprised, his wife and child savagely murdered.
It's hard to tell whose side Ross is on. He is like a character in the audience--he knows what we know. His sadistic messages are little reminders to us as well.
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