Plot Summary

Act 1: The Rise of Macbeth

• Three Witches' Prophecy: The witches predict that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and later King of Scotland. Banquo's descendants will be kings.
• Macbeth's New Title: King Duncan rewards Macbeth with the title of Thane of Cawdor, fulfilling part of the prophecy.
• Lady Macbeth's Persuasion: Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth about the prophecy, and she convinces him to murder King Duncan to seize the throne.

Act 2: The Murder of King Duncan

• Duncan's Murder: Macbeth, influenced by Lady Macbeth, kills King Duncan in his sleep.
• Frame-up: Lady Macbeth smears blood on Duncan's guards to make them appear guilty.
• Macbeth Becomes King: After Duncan's sons Malcolm and Donalbain flee, Macbeth is crowned King of Scotland.

Act 3: Macbeth's Paranoia

• Banquo's Suspicion: Banquo suspects Macbeth of foul play but keeps quiet.
• Murder of Banquo: Fearing the witches' prophecy about Banquo's descendants, Macbeth orders assassins to kill Banquo and his son, Fleance. Banquo is murdered, but Fleance escapes.
• Banquo's Ghost: At a banquet, Macbeth sees Banquo's ghost, revealing his growing guilt and paranoia.

Act 4: The Witches' Second Prophecy

• Three New Predictions: The witches warn Macbeth:
  1. Beware Macduff.
  2. No man born of a woman can harm him.
  3. He will be safe until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Hill.
• Macduff's Family Killed: Macbeth orders the massacre of Macduff's wife and children.
• Malcolm and Macduff Plan Revenge: Macduff flees to England, where he joins Malcolm to raise an army against Macbeth.

Act 5: Macbeth's Downfall

• Lady Macbeth's Guilt: She sleepwalks, obsessively trying to wash imagined blood from her hands, showing her deep guilt.
• Birnam Wood Moves: Malcolm's army uses branches as camouflage, fulfilling the witches' prophecy.
• Macbeth's Final Battle: Macduff reveals he was born via caesarean section ("not of woman born") and kills Macbeth.
• Restoration of Order: Malcolm becomes King of Scotland, ending Macbeth's tyrannical rule.

Key Themes in the Plot

• Ambition & Power: Macbeth's desire for power leads to his downfall.
• Fate vs Free Will: Macbeth struggles between destiny and his own choices.
• Guilt & Madness: Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth suffer from guilt, leading to paranoia and insanity.
• Betrayal & Revenge: Macbeth's betrayal results in others seeking revenge, leading to his ultimate defeat.