Plot Summary
Act 1
- The witches plan to meet Macbeth.
- King Duncan hears about Macbeth's bravery and appoints him Thane of Cawdor.
- The witches make their prophecies to Macbeth and Banquo — telling Macbeth he will become Thane of Cawdor and then King of Scotland.
- Lady Macbeth plans to murder Duncan.
- Macbeth confesses his doubts to Lady Macbeth, but she restores his faith in the plan.
Act 2
- Macbeth hallucinates and sees a dagger in front of him.
- Macbeth murders Duncan offstage.
- Lady Macbeth returns the daggers to the scene of the murder after Macbeth leaves them behind.
- Duncan's murder is discovered by Macduff and Lennox.
- Duncan's sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, flee.
- Macbeth is chosen to be the next king.
Act 3
- Banquo grows suspicious of Macbeth.
- Macbeth arranges Banquo and Fleance's murder.
- Lady Macbeth is unhappy, then receives news that Fleance escaped.
- Macbeth sees Banquo's ghost.
- Macduff leaves Scotland to escape Macbeth's surveillance and begins planning rebellion.
- Macbeth decides to visit the witches again.
- Macbeth plans to murder Macduff's family after hearing their new prophecies.
Act 4
- The witches summon three apparitions for Macbeth.
- Lady Macduff and her son are murdered.
- Macduff, Malcolm and Macduff's son meet in England.
- Macduff learns of his family's murder and is distraught.
Act 5
- A doctor and servant discuss Lady Macbeth's disturbed and hallucinating behaviour.
- The play moves swiftly towards the tragic conclusion.
- The English army led by Malcolm and Macduff approach Macbeth's castle.
- Macbeth tries to reassure himself that the witches' prophecies will protect him, but this proves false.
- The witches' prophecies start to come true.
- Macbeth is killed in battle by Macduff and Malcolm is crowned king.