I. Act I
* Scene 1: The play opens with three witches discussing their meeting with Macbeth. They foreshadow future events and introduce the play's themes of fate, ambition, and supernatural forces.
* Scene 2: King Duncan arrives at a Scottish fortress, and we are introduced to Macbeth, a brave general, and Banquo, his loyal friend. They learn of Macbeth's victory against the rebels and receive a message from the King.
* Scene 3: Macbeth and Banquo encounter the three witches who prophesize Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland, while Banquo will father kings. Macbeth is immediately intrigued and begins to think about the prophecy's implications.
* Scene 4: King Duncan rewards Macbeth by appointing him Thane of Cawdor, furthering Macbeth's ambition and fueling his desires.
* Scene 5: Lady Macbeth, Macbeth's ambitious wife, receives a letter from Macbeth about the witches' prophecies. She immediately plots to help her husband become king.
* Scene 6: King Duncan arrives at Macbeth's castle, and Macbeth and Lady Macbeth decide to murder the king. Lady Macbeth, showing her ambition and ruthlessness, urges Macbeth to commit the act.
* Scene 7: Macbeth is torn between his ambition and his conscience. He contemplates the consequences of murdering Duncan but is eventually persuaded by Lady Macbeth's powerful and manipulative arguments.
II. Act II
* Scene 1: Macbeth, after killing Duncan, experiences guilt and paranoia. He hears a voice telling him that he will not sleep soundly again.
* Scene 2: Lady Macbeth, trying to maintain a façade of normalcy, dismisses the guilt that her husband is feeling and accuses him of being weak.
* Scene 3: The discovery of Duncan's body throws the kingdom into chaos. Macduff, a loyal nobleman, suspects Macbeth's involvement.
* Scene 4: Macbeth, trying to cover his tracks, blames the guards for Duncan's murder.
* Scene 5: King Duncan's sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, flee Scotland, fearing for their lives. Their flight is interpreted as an admission of guilt, further solidifying Macbeth's position as king.
III. Act III
* Scene 1: Macbeth's paranoia grows. He distrusts Banquo, believing him to be a threat to his throne.
* Scene 2: Macbeth hires assassins to kill Banquo and Fleance, Banquo's son. He believes Fleance is a threat to his future as king.
* Scene 3: Banquo is murdered, but Fleance escapes. Macbeth is haunted by Banquo's ghost at a banquet.
* Scene 4: At the banquet, Macbeth loses his composure, revealing his guilt and paranoia to his guests. His behavior further alienates his subjects and fuels suspicion.
* Scene 5: The witches reappear, showing Macbeth visions of future events, both good and bad. Their prophecies are interpreted by Macbeth as reassurance of his power, but he remains tormented.
IV. Act IV
* Scene 1: Macbeth visits the witches again, seeking reassurance and guidance. He is given a series of prophecies, including that he will be safe until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane. Macbeth believes these prophecies make him invincible, but the witches also warn of Macduff's power and his coming revenge.
* Scene 2: Macduff, having fled to England, learns of the deaths of his family at the hands of Macbeth. He vows revenge.
* Scene 3: Malcolm tests Macduff's loyalty and character before revealing his own plan to reclaim the throne.
V. Act V
* Scene 1: Lady Macbeth, consumed by guilt and madness, sleepwalks, reliving her role in the murders and revealing her inner turmoil.
* Scene 2: Macbeth, increasingly isolated and paranoid, receives news of his wife's death and falls into despair.
* Scene 3: Macduff's army, disguised by branches from Birnam Wood, marches toward Dunsinane. Macduff, fueled by revenge, vows to fight Macbeth.
* Scene 4: Macbeth, despite his initial confidence in the witches' prophecies, becomes increasingly aware of his impending doom. He faces Macduff in battle.
* Scene 5: Macduff, refusing to be intimidated by Macbeth's power, ultimately defeats and kills Macbeth. Malcolm is crowned king, restoring order to Scotland.
* Scene 8: The play ends with a hopeful message as Malcolm vows to rule justly, offering a vision of a future free from tyranny and violence.
This outline provides a basic understanding of the key events, characters, and themes of Macbeth. It is important to remember that this is a brief overview, and the true power and complexity of the play lies in its intricate language, symbolism, and exploration of human nature.