Macbeth is a play by William Shakespeare. It was written around approximately 1606. All Shakespeare plays are studied as part of KS3 and GCSE English Literature in England and Wales.
Three witches (the Weird Sisters) meet on a heath. Scottish general Macbeth and his friend Banquo return from battle victorious. The witches tell Macbeth he will become Thane of Cawdor and then King of Scotland. They tell Banquo he will be the father of kings. The first prophecy comes true immediately — King Duncan names Macbeth Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth writes to his wife, Lady Macbeth, who is immediately determined to seize the crown by any means necessary. King Duncan visits Macbeth's castle.
Lady Macbeth drugs the king's guards. Macbeth murders the sleeping King Duncan. He is immediately overwhelmed by guilt. Lady Macbeth tries to steady him. They frame the guards by placing the daggers on them. Duncan's sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, flee — making them appear guilty. Macbeth is crowned King of Scotland.
Macbeth, fearing Banquo's prophecy, has him murdered — but Banquo's son Fleance escapes. At a banquet, Macbeth is tormented by the ghost of Banquo — visible only to him. He visits the witches again, who give him three apparitions: beware Macduff; no man born of woman can harm him; he is safe until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane. Macbeth has Macduff's entire family murdered. Macduff has fled to England to join Malcolm.
Lady Macbeth, unable to escape her guilt, begins sleepwalking — trying to wash imaginary blood from her hands. She dies (implied suicide). Malcolm's army carries branches from Birnam Wood as camouflage — fulfilling the prophecy. Macduff reveals he was born by Caesarean section, not naturally — he can harm Macbeth. Macduff kills Macbeth. Malcolm is crowned King of Scotland.