Plot Summary Flashcards
Act 1, Scene 1
Three witches meet on a heath and plan to confront Macbeth after a battle.
Act 1, Scene 2
King Duncan hears of Macbeth’s bravery in battle and decides to reward him with the title of Thane of Cawdor.
Act 1, Scene 3
The witches meet Macbeth and Banque, prophesying that Macbeth will be king and Banquo’s descendants will also be kings.
Act 1, Scene 4
King Duncan announces that his son, Malcolm, will be his heir. Macbeth begins to contemplate murdering Duncan.
Act 1, Scene 5
Lady Macbeth reads Macbeth’s letter about the witches prophecies and resolves to push her husband into committing murder.
Act 1, Scene 6
King Duncan arrives at Macbeth’s castle and is warmly welcomed by Lady Macbeth.
Act 1, Scene 7
Macbeth has doubts about killing Duncan but Lady Macbeth persuades him to go through with the plan.
Act 2, Scene 1
Macbeth sees a vision of a dagger leading him to Duncan’s chamber and resolves to commit the murder.
Act 2, Scene 2
Macbeth murders Duncan and is filled with guilt. Lady Macbeth takes charge, framing the guards for the murder.
Act 2, Scene 3
Macduff discovers Duncan’s body. Duncan’s sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, flee the country, fearing for their lives.
Act 2, Scene 4
Ross and an old man discuss the strange events of the night and the news of Duncan’s death. Macbeth is declared king.
Act 3, Scene 1
Banquo suspects Macbeth but keeps quiet. Macbeth, now king, fears Banquo and arranges to have him and his son, Fleance, killed.
Act 3, Scene 2
Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth of his fears and plans. She tries to comfort him but he is increasingly paranoid.
Act 3, Scene 3
Banquo is murdered by hired assassins, but Fleance escapes.
Act 3, Scene 4
At a banquet, Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost and reacts with horror, unsettling his guests.
Lady Macbeth tries to cover for him.
Act 3, Scene 5
The witches prepare for another meeting with Macbeth. Hecate, their leader, scolds them for meddling without her.
Act 3, Scene 6
Lennox and another lord discuss the tyrannical rule of Macbeth and hope for help from England.
Act 4, Scene 1
Macbeth visits the witches again. They show him three apparitions that warn him to beware Macduff, assure him no man born of a woman will harm him, and tell him he will not be defeated until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane Hill.
Act 4, Scene 2
Macbeth orders the murder of Macduff’s family. Lady Macduff and her children are killed.
Act 4, Scene 3
In England. Macduff learns of his family’s slaughter and vows revenge. Malcolm tests Macduff’s loyalty and they prepare to return to Scotland with an army.
Act 5, Scene 1
Lady Macbeth, tormented by guilt, sleepwalks and tries to wash the imaginary blood from her hands.
Act 5, Scene 2
Scottish nobles discuss Macbeth’s increasingly erratic behaviour and prepare to join
Malcolm’s army.
Act 5, Scene 3
Macbeth is confident in the witches prophecies but becomes alarmed by reports of the approaching army.
Act 5, Scene 4
Malcolm’s army cuts down branches from Birnam Wood to use as camouflage, making it look like the forest is moving.
Act 5, Scene 5
Macbeth learns of Lady Macbeth’s death and prepares for battle. He realizes the witches’ prophecies are coming true as Birnam Wood seems to move towards Dunsinane.
Act 5, Scene 6
Malcolm’s forces attack Macbeth’s castle.
Act 5, Scene 7
Macbeth fights bravely but is confronted by Macduff, who reveals he was born by Caesarean section (not “of woman born”).
Act 5, Scene 8
Macduff kills Macbeth and Malcolm is declared king, restoring order to Scotland.
