Three witches tell the Scottish general Macbeth that he will be King of Scotland. Encouraged by his wife, Macbeth kills the king, becomes the new king, and kills more people out of paranoia. Civil war erupts to overthrow Macbeth, resulting in more death.
At the end of the play, Macbeth's severed head is brought to Malcolm by Macduff, proof that Macbeth has been overthrown, and that Scotland is now Malcom's to rule. Malcolm promises rewards to all who have fought for him, and names them all earls, the first in Scotland.
Important characters:
Macbeth :
Macbeth is a Scottish general and the thane of Glamis .
Lady Macbeth
Macbeth’s wife, a deeply ambitious woman who lusts for power and position.
The Three Witches
Three “black and midnight hags” who plot mischief against Macbeth using charms, spells, and prophecies. Their predictions prompt him to murder Duncan, to order the deaths of Banquo and his son, and to blindly believe in his own immortality.
Banquo
The brave, noble general whose children, according to the witches’ prophecy, will inherit the Scottish throne.
King Duncan
The good King of Scotland whom Macbeth, in his ambition for the crown, murders.
Macduff
A Scottish nobleman hostile to Macbeth’s kingship from the start.
Malcolm
The son of Duncan.
Hecate
The goddess of witchcraft, who helps the three witches work their mischief on Macbeth.
Fleance
Banquo’s son
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