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What made King Duncan from Macbeth such a fair king?

While King Duncan doesn't live for very long in Shakespeare's Macbeth, his fairness is clearly established.  Firstly, he is a very kind, benevolent ruler who rewards those who are loyal to him.  In Act I, Scene 2, when told by the wounded Captain of Macbeth's valor in battle, Duncan immediately sends word to reward "worthy" Macbeth for his actions, promoting him to Thane of Cawdor, and even sending the wounded Captain off with attendants to receive the medical aid he requires.

Secondly, Duncan is a very trusting king.  He understands the problems with this, stating in Act 1, Scene 4 that he trusted the former Thane of Cawdor too much, and lamenting that "There's no art/ To find the mind's construction in the face."  While he is aware of how this worldview can lead to problems, he treats Macbeth with a great level of trust rather than become suspicious that Macbeth, too, could become treacherous.  Though this leads to his demise, Duncan shows he is willing to risk harm rather than to distrust those that have shown him nothing but loyalty.

Finally, Duncan shows kindness and generosity to all in his service.  He rewards Banquo for his service, promotes Malcolm to Prince of Cumberland, and even sends a jewel to Lady Macbeth for being such a welcoming hostess to him during his visit.  Even the level of guilt that the Macbeths suffer after murdering him is reflective of his kindness and fairness.  Had he been a lesser person, they probably wouldn't have felt as terrible about the act.

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