A short summary of William Shakespeare's Macbeth. This free synopsis covers all the crucial plot points of Macbeth.

Norwegians, aided by Scottish rebels, have invaded Scotland. The Scots successfully defend their country and their beloved king, Duncan. One Scotsman in particular, Macbeth, Thane of Glamis, distinguishes himself in fighting off the invaders.

Apr 14, 2025 · Macbeth is a tragedy in five acts by William Shakespeare, written sometime in 1606–07 and published in the First Folio of 1623. The play chronicles Macbeth’s seizing of power and subsequent destruction—both his rise and his fall the result of blind ambition.

Summary of William Shakespeare's Macbeth: Macbeth hears that he is going to be king; he and Lady Macbeth kill people so he can become king; both of them die.

Read the full play summary, an in-depth character analysis of Macbeth, and explanations of important quotes from Macbeth. From a general summary to chapter summaries to explanations of famous quotes, the SparkNotes Macbeth Study Guide has everything you need to ace quizzes, tests, and essays.

Shakespeare’s Macbeth tells the story of Macbeth, a Scottish lord who receives a prophecy saying that he will become King of Scotland. Here are some key plot points: At his wife’s...

Plot Summary. Three witches anticipate a meeting with Macbeth. King Duncan hears a report of how his generals Macbeth and Banquo defeated the Norwegians and the Scottish rebels. The witches gather on a heath and meet the generals returning from the war.

Here’s a brief Macbeth summary: King Duncan’s generals, Macbeth and Banquo, encounter three strange women on a bleak Scottish moorland on their way home from quelling a rebellion. The women prophesy that Macbeth will be given the title of Thane of Cawdor and then become King of Scotland, while Banquo’s heirs shall be kings.

Macbeth study guide contains a biography of William Shakespeare, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s shortest plays, so we’ll keep the ensuing plot summary fairly brief, too, summarising the main plot points and keeping an eye on how they all fit together.