Macbeth
by William Shakespeare
Drama Overview
Macbeth is a tragedy about a brave Scottish general named Macbeth who receives a prophecy from three witches that he will one day become King of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife, Lady Macbeth, he murders King Duncan and takes the throne. He is then wracked with guilt and paranoia, leading him to commit more murders to protect himself. He becomes a tyrannical ruler, leading to a civil war where Macduff and Malcolm defeat him, and order is restored to Scotland.
Act-by-Act Breakdown
Act I: The Prophecy and Tempation
Macbeth and Banquo meet three witches who prophesy that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and then King, and that Banquo's descendants will reign. Shortly after, Macbeth is named Thane of Cawdor. Tempted by the crown, he writes to Lady Macbeth, who immediately plots King Duncan's murder.