“Macbeth” is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, often referred to simply as “The Scottish Play” due to superstitions around saying its name aloud in a theater. Written around 1606, it is one of Shakespeare’s shortest and most intense works. The play delves deeply into themes of ambition, power, guilt, and the supernatural.

– The play begins with three witches on a desolate heath, planning to meet Macbeth after a battle.

– Macbeth and Banquo, returning from the battlefield, encounter the witches who prophesy that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and eventually King of Scotland, while Banquo’s descendants will be kings.

– Soon after, Macbeth is named Thane of Cawdor, confirming part of the witches’ prophecy. Consumed by ambition, Macbeth informs his wife, Lady Macbeth, who begins to plot Duncan’s murder to hasten Macbeth’s ascension to the throne.

– Macbeth hesitates but is goaded by Lady Macbeth into murdering King Duncan. He kills Duncan in his sleep and frames the guards.

– Overcome with guilt and paranoia, Macbeth begins to unravel, while Lady Macbeth takes charge, returning the bloody daggers to the guards to avoid suspicion.

– Now King, Macbeth fears Banquo, whose descendants were prophesied to inherit the throne. He hires murderers to kill Banquo and his son, Fleance. Banquo is killed, but Fleance escapes.

– At a royal banquet, Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost, causing him to act erratically in front of his guests. Lady Macbeth tries to cover for him but the guests leave in confusion.