ACT I - the play opens with the news that an attempted invasion of Scotland by the Norwegians, helped by a traitor, the Thane of Cawdor, has failed thanks to Macbeth's courage. Returning home, Macbeth and his friend Banquo meet threee witches who greet Macbeth as "Thane of Cawdor" and say he will become king of Scotland. The witches prophecy begins to work on Macbeth's ambition. Macbeth invites Duncan, the king of Scotland, to his castle. His wife carries out a plan to kill Duncan.
ACT II - Duncan is murdered by Macbeth and the blame is put on the king's servants sleeping outside his room. The king's sons, Malcom and Donalbain, leave Scotland, fearing for their lives. Macbeth is on the throne, but Macduff and Banquo are suspicious.
ACT III - Macbeth does not feel safe because the prophecy is that the throne falls to the heirs of Banquo. He decides to kill Banquo and his son, Fleance, who escapes. Banquo's ghost haunts Macbeth.
ACT IV - the three witches warn Macbeth to beware of Macduff. Macbeth kills Macduff's wife and children.
ACT V - Lady Macbeth has driven mad; she walks in her sleep, trying to wash away Duncan's blood from her hands. Malcom is marching into Scotland with an army. All the lords have allied with Malcom and Macbeth is isolated. Macduff kills Macbeth. The play ends with Macduff holding up Macbeth's head and proclaiming Malcom, king of Scotland.