Shakespeare's "Macbeth" Plot Summary, Themes & Characters

“Macbeth”
William Shakespeare
Plot Summary, Themes & Characters


ACT 1


The play opens with three witches on a Scottish heath, planning to meet Macbeth after a battle.

King Duncan of Scotland hears of Macbeth’s valour in battle against the rebel forces and the

invading Norwegians. Macbeth, a Scottish general, and Banquo, his friend and fellow general,

encounter the witches. They prophesy that Macbeth will become the Thane of Cawdor and then

King of Scotland. They also predict that Banquo will father a line of kings, though he will not be

king himself. Shortly after, Macbeth is indeed named Thane of Cawdor, prompting him to

contemplate the possibility of becoming king. Lady Macbeth, upon hearing the news, persuades

Macbeth to seize the crown by murdering Duncan.




ACT 2


Macbeth hesitates but is driven by his wife’s ambition and his own desire for power. He murders

King Duncan in his sleep, framing Duncan’s guards for the crime. Overwhelmed with guilt and

paranoia, Macbeth is crowned king. Duncan’s sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, flee to England and

Ireland, fearing for their lives.




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