Macbeth Summary

Act One:

• Setting: Scotland
• Characters: Macbeth, Banquo, Three Witches
• Events:
  • Macbeth and Banquo meet three witches who prophesy their futures.
  • Macbeth is told he will become Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland.
  • Lady Macbeth learns about the prophecies and vows to help Macbeth become king.
  • Duncan names Macbeth Thane of Cawdor.

Act Two:

• Setting: Macbeth’s castle at Inverness
• Characters: Macbeth, Lady Macbeth
• Events:
  • Macbeth and Lady Macbeth plot Duncan’s murder.
  • Macbeth kills Duncan and Lady Macbeth helps cover up the crime.
  • Macbeth becomes tormented by guilt.
  • Macbeth is crowned king.

Act Three:

• Setting: Various locations in Scotland
• Characters: Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Banquo
• Events:
  • Macbeth fears Banquo’s prophecy and arranges his murder.
  • Banquo is killed, but his son escapes.
  • Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost at a banquet, revealing his guilt.

Act Four:

• Setting: Various locations in Scotland
• Characters: Macbeth, Three Witches, Macduff
• Events:
  • Macbeth seeks the witches for more prophecies.
  • The witches predict Macbeth’s downfall when Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane.
  • Macbeth slaughters Macduff’s family.
  • Malcolm and Macduff plan to overthrow Macbeth.

Act Five:

• Setting: Dunsinane Castle
• Characters: Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Macduff
• Events:
  • Macbeth feels secure until he learns Birnam Wood is moving towards him.
  • Lady Macbeth, tormented by guilt, commits suicide.
  • Macbeth faces Macduff in battle and learns he was not “born of woman” in the traditional sense.
  • Macduff kills Macbeth, and Malcolm is declared king.

Macbeth’s tragic tale concludes with the restoration of peace to Scotland. The play explores themes of ambition, guilt, and the consequences of unchecked power.