Macbeth

A Norwegian and Irish invasion aided by a traitorous Thane of Cawdor is repelled by Macbeth and Banquo. The victory raises Macbeth's standing among the Scottish nobles and begins to push his ambitions toward the throne. The immediate threat to Duncan's rule starts to shift as power consolidates around Macbeth.

Duncan sentences the traitor Cawdor to death and awards Macbeth the title Thane of Cawdor. The decision elevates Macbeth's status at court, even though he and Banquo do not yet hear the news. The prophecy's lure grows stronger as opportunities to act present themselves.

On the road after the battle, Macbeth and Banquo encounter Three Witches who hail Macbeth as Thane of Cawdor and future king, and declare Banquo will be 'lesser' and 'greater'. The encounter stirs ambition and fear, planting the seeds for the upcoming choices. The prophecy sets the course for the drama to unfold.

Back at the camp, nobles inform Macbeth that he has been named Thane of Cawdor, filling him with awe and fear about the prospect of seizing Duncan's throne. Banquo watches the developments with cautious curiosity as the prophecy takes on a personal dimension.

Macbeth writes a letter to Lady Macbeth detailing the witches' prophecy and his new title. Lady Macbeth responds with delight but also fears that her husband lacks ruthlessness, and she resolves to push him toward action.

Duncan proclaims Malcolm as heir and Prince of Cumberland, making him the next king in line. Macbeth is unsettled by this obstacle and Banquo remains wary of the prophecy's implications. The monarch's decision intensifies the tension surrounding Macbeth's future plans.

That night, the royal party stays at Macbeth's castle and is greeted by Lady Macbeth with practiced warmth. Her hospitality masks a ruthless plan to secure the throne as she manipulates those around them.

Urged by Lady Macbeth, Macbeth enters Duncan's chamber after drugging the guards. Duncan awakens briefly and unknowingly names Macbeth, who then stabs him, killing the king. Macbeth frames the guards for the murder and then murders them when Duncan's corpse is discovered.

Fearing a conspiracy, Malcolm and Donalbain flee to England and Ireland to preserve themselves. The Thane of Ross realizes that Macbeth's future as king is now a reality, even if it unsettles the realm.

A courtier hails Macbeth as king at Scone, and Macduff heads back to his home in Fife, wary of Macbeth's power. The consolidation of power continues as factions form across Scotland.

To secure his throne, Macbeth orders Banquo and his son Fleance killed, hiring two murderers and using Ross as the Third Murderer. The attempt succeeds against Banquo but Fleance escapes, leaving Macbeth in increasing fear of the prophecy’s threat.

At a royal banquet, Banquo's ghost haunts Macbeth, triggering fear and a crisis of control. He seeks out the witches again, who perform a ritual that convinces him of invincibility and reinforces the prophecy that he cannot be defeated until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane.

Ross travels to Fife to coordinate resistance against Macbeth, but leaves the doors of the castle ajar for Macbeth's killers. In Fife, Lady Macduff and her children are slain by the murderers, illustrating the brutal reach of Macbeth's rule.

English forces, led by Malcolm and Siward, invade Scotland and march on Dunsinane, using branches from Birnam Wood to camouflage their numbers. The united front poses the final challenge to Macbeth's grip on the throne.

In a final duel, Macduff reveals he was delivered by Caesarean section and defeats Macbeth, who is beheaded. Malcolm is proclaimed King of Scotland, and order begins to return to the realm as the witches’ influence lingers over the throne.