Summary
Macbeth is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, set in Scotland in the 11th century. It tells the story of a Scottish nobleman, Macbeth, who receives a prophecy from three witches that he will become king. Driven by ambition and spurred on by his wife, Lady Macbeth, Macbeth murders King Duncan and takes the throne for himself. However, the guilt and paranoia that follow lead to a downward spiral of bloodshed and betrayal.
Characters
- Macbeth - a Scottish nobleman and the protagonist of the play
- Lady Macbeth - Macbeth's wife and the driving force behind his actions
- Duncan - the King of Scotland, whom Macbeth murders
- Banquo - Macbeth's friend and fellow soldier
- Macduff - a nobleman who opposes Macbeth's rule
- Three Witches - supernatural beings who prophesy Macbeth's rise to power
Themes
- Ambition and its consequences
- Guilt and remorse
- The corrupting influence of power
- The supernatural and its role in human affairs