Macbeth GCSE Revision Guide:
Quotes, Themes, Context & Essay Plans

Three witches plan to meet Macbeth after a battle. King Duncan receives news of Macbeth's bravery and decides to reward him. Macbeth and Banquo encounter the witches, who tell them their prophecies — that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and eventually king, and that Banquo's descendants will be kings. Duncan names his son Malcolm as his successor. Lady Macbeth receives a letter from her husband about the prophecies and begins plotting to kill Duncan. Macbeth changes his mind about going through with the murder, but Lady Macbeth convinces him by questioning his manliness.

Macbeth sees a vision of a dagger leading him to Duncan's room and goes to murder him. Afterwards he returns to Lady Macbeth still carrying the daggers — she sends him back to place them with the sleeping guards. Macduff arrives at the castle and discovers Duncan has been murdered. Duncan's sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, are accused of the murder and flee. Macbeth is crowned King of Scotland.

Banquo suspects Macbeth may have been involved in Duncan's death. Macbeth invites him to the feast happening that evening. Then, secretly arranges for him to be killed. The murderers kill Banquo, but his son Fleance escapes. At the banquet, Macbeth is haunted by Banquo's ghost and causes a scene. Lady Macbeth tries to control him but can’t, and she has to cancel the feast.

Macbeth visits the witches again and they give him new predictions that make him feel invincible. He has Macduff's wife and children murdered. In England, Malcolm tests Macduff's loyalty by pretending he will be a terrible king. Macduff passes the test. Ross arrives and tells Macduff his whole family has been killed.

Lady Macbeth sleepwalks, confessing her guilt over the murders. The Scottish lords gather to overthrow Macbeth. Malcolm's army uses branches from Birnam Wood to conceal their numbers — fulfilling the witches' prophecy. Lady Macbeth dies. Macduff confronts Macbeth and reveals he was born by caesarean section. They fight. Macbeth is killed and Malcolm is proclaimed King of Scotland.