Lady Macbeth Takes Control
This scene kicks off when Lady Macbeth reads her husband's letter about the witches' prophecies. She immediately sees an opportunity and starts plotting King Duncan's murder before Macbeth even arrives home.
The moment Macbeth walks through the door, she's already decided they're killing Duncan that very evening. What's shocking is how quickly she takes charge - in Shakespeare's time, wives were expected to follow their husbands, not give the orders.
Key characters present: Lady Macbeth (the mastermind), Macbeth (surprisingly following orders), and a Messenger who brings news of Duncan's arrival.
Quick Note: Lady Macbeth's immediate jump to murder shows just how ambitious and ruthless she really is - no hesitation, no moral struggle, just straight to the plan.
Shakespeare presents them as equals in their relationship, which would have been absolutely scandalous for both 15th-century Scotland and Shakespeare's audience. She's clearly the driving force, and he trusts her completely - definitely not your typical married couple of the era.