Macbeth: Acts 1-3 Summary
The story begins with three witches planning to meet Macbeth. When they encounter him and his friend Banquo, they share three prophecies: Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor, then king, while Banquo's descendants will be kings. Excited by these predictions, Macbeth shares them with Lady Macbeth, who immediately plots to murder King Duncan during his stay at their castle.
Despite Macbeth's initial reluctance, Lady Macbeth persuades him to kill Duncan, framing the king's servants for the murder by planting blood-stained daggers on them. When Macduff discovers the king's body, Duncan's sons Malcolm and Donalbain flee Scotland, making them appear guilty. Strange and unnatural events occur throughout Scotland following Duncan's murder.
Remember this: The witches' prophecies act as catalysts for the plot, but it's Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's choices that drive the tragedy forward.
Now crowned king, Macbeth grows paranoid about the prophecy that Banquo's children will rule Scotland. He hires murderers to kill Banquo and his son Fleance. Though they succeed in killing Banquo, Fleance escapes. During a royal feast, Macbeth is haunted by Banquo's ghost, showing his growing guilt and mental instability.