Macbeth order of events

Who do the witches meet first and what prophecy do they give?

Macbeth; prophecy: Thane of Cawdor, king

What announcement from Duncan increases Macbeth’s ambition?

Malcolm is named heir to the throne

How does Lady Macbeth influence Macbeth early on?

She persuades him to murder Duncan

What major crime does Macbeth commit?

He kills Duncan

Where do Duncan’s sons go after the murder and why?

Malcolm and Donalbain flee to avoid suspicion

Who becomes king after Duncan’s death?

Macbeth

Who suspects Macbeth after he becomes king?

Banquo

What does Macbeth do about Banquo?

Hires murderers to kill Banquo; Fleance escapes

How does Macbeth’s ambition escalate?

He visits the witches again and becomes more ruthless

Who plots to overthrow Macbeth?

Macduff and Malcolm

What happens to Lady Macbeth?

She becomes guilty, sleepwalks, and dies

How is the witches’ prophecy about Birnam Wood fulfilled?

Soldiers camouflage with branches; Macbeth realizes prophecy is true

Who kills Macbeth?

Macduff

Who becomes king at the end?

Malcolm

What major themes can help remember the play?

Ambition, fate vs free will, guilt, appearance vs reality, and the supernatural