Macbeth
Macbeth and Banquo, generals in the service of Duncan, King of Scotland, are returning victorious from battle when they are hailed by three witches who prophesy that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and then King of Scotland. The first part of the prophesy is soon fulfilled when Duncan rewards Macbeth's loyal service: encouraged by this, and playing on her husband's ambition, Lady Macbeth persuades him to murder Duncan while he is a guest at their castle. Malcolm, Duncan's son and heir, flees to England for safety.
Macbeth, now King of Scotland, has Banquo murdered in an attempt to secure his own position, but Banquo's ghost appears to him at a banquet.
Macbeth visits the witches again. They warn him to beware of Macduff, a noble who has also fled to England, but assure him that he cannot be harmed by any man born of woman. Macbeth orders the murder of Macduff's wife and children.
In England, Macduff and Malcolm raise an army and march against Macbeth but he, armed with the witches' prophecy, believes himself to be invincible. As his enemies draw nearer, Macbeth learns that his wife is dead and, despite the witches' words, he himself is killed by Macduff. Malcolm is crowned King of Scotland.
