Maslow’s Theory as a Tool for Actor-Centered Character Analysis: A Case Study of <Macbeth>

Amidst globalization, cross-cultural and trans-era script creation has become prevalent in the performing arts industry.Actors are thus required to interpret characters' complexity and universality within multicultural contexts.Traditional character analysis methods, which predominantly rely on empathy derived from specific cultural experiences or historical backgrounds, often fail to systematically decode characters' intrinsic motivations and psychological logic across temporal and spatial boundaries.This limitation risks cultural misinterpretation or emotional inauthenticity.Consequently, actors urgently require theoretical frameworks to transcend cultural inertia and establish spiritual connections between characters and contemporary audiences.This paper explores the feasibility of applying Maslow's Humanistic Psychology, particularly the Hierarchy of Needs Theory, as a tool for structured character analysis.Through qualitative textual analysis of selected excerpts from Shakespeare's <Macbeth>, this study examines how psychological needs manifest and evolve within character arcs, enabling an interpretive model that connects textual evidence with psychological constructs.Using Shakespeare's <Macbeth> as a case study, the protagonist's psychological complexity and hierarchical motivations exemplify the applicability of Maslow's theories.Macbeth, a canonical text transcending cultural boundaries, addresses timeless themes of power, lust, and human alienation, validating the universality of psychological theories in character analysis.Macbeth's transformation from loyal general to tyrannical ruler vividly illustrates the collapse of hierarchical needs and the paradox of self-actualization.The research demonstrates that Maslow's framework enables actors to systematically trace characters' developmental trajectories from Physiological Needs to self-actualization, thereby objectively revealing behavioral underpinnings.Focusing on universal psychological mechanisms rather than culturally specific frameworks preserves historical authenticity while ensuring emotional resonance with modern audiences.This study provides a practical methodology for integrating psychological theories into character analysis, offering a cross-disciplinary framework that not only enriches actors' role development strategies but also contributes to broader discussions on cultural translation in globalized theatre.Its findings highlight the practical relevance of humanistic psychology in understanding universal human behavior through classical literature.