Summary Shakespeare’s Macbeth Timeline of Events

They prophesise that Macbeth Duncan Lady Macbeth receives
Duncan names
ACT 1 will be Thane of Cawdor. King
Macbeth Thane
states he news from Macbeth. She
of Scotland; Banquo's will visit vows to help him become
• witches meet of Cawdor.
descendants will be Kings Macbeth. King.


The Lady
Macbeth Lady Macbeth
ACT 2 Macbeth's Macbeth
kills King leaves the daggers
Porter's
plot to kill drugs the soliloquy
• Macbeth returns home Duncan by the guards
Duncan. guards


Macduff discovers Malcolm and Macbeth arranges
the murder and Donalbain flee - in ACT 3 for Banquo and
Macbeth kills the doing so, they are Fleance to be
drunken guards. blamed for the murder. • Macbeth becomes King of Scotland. killed.


Banquo Later at the Witches say that Macbeth is safe until
dies, banquet, ACT 4 Birnam wood comes towards him; Macbeth
Fleance Macbeth sees should not fear anyone woman born;
• Macbeth seeks out the witches.
escapes. Banquo's ghost. succession still comes from Banquo.


Macbeth mass Birnam Wood
slaughters
Macduff seeks Malcolm to ACT 5 moves toward
persuade him to lead an
Macduff's Macbeth's
army against Macbeth • Lady Macbeth commits suicide
family Castle


Macduff challenges Macduff executes Malcolm is
Macbeth during the Macbeth, bringing his crowned
battle head to Malcolm King.