Act 1
The play opens with three witches on a Scottish heath, planning to meet Macbeth. The scene shifts to a military camp where King Duncan hears of Macbeth's bravery in battle. As Macbeth and Banquo, his friend, return from the battle, they encounter the witches who prophesy that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and then king, and that Banquo will father a line of kings. Almost immediately, Duncan's men arrive to tell Macbeth that he has been made Thane of Cawdor. The ambitious Macbeth starts contemplating the witches' second prediction.

Act 2
Encouraged by his wife, Lady Macbeth, who is eager for power, Macbeth decides to murder King Duncan to take the throne. Despite some initial hesitation, he kills Duncan in his sleep and frames the guards for the murder. Duncan’s sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, flee the country, fearing for their lives.

Act 3
Now king, Macbeth is plagued by insecurity and paranoia. He remembers the witches' prophecy about Banquo's descendants and hires murderers to kill Banquo and his son, Fleance. Banquo is killed, but Fleance escapes. At a banquet, Macbeth is haunted by Banquo’s ghost, which only he can see, causing him to act irrationally.

Act 4
Macbeth returns to the witches who give him further prophecies: he should beware of Macduff; no man born of a woman will harm him; and he will remain unvanquished until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane Hill. Macbeth feels invincible but still orders the murder of Macduff's family. Macduff, who has fled to England, joins forces with Malcolm to overthrow Macbeth.

Act 5
Lady Macbeth, guilt-ridden and mentally unstable, sleepwalks and tries to wash imaginary blood from her hands. She eventually dies, presumed by suicide. Meanwhile, Malcolm’s forces advance on Macbeth, using branches from Birnam Wood to disguise their numbers, fulfilling the prophecy. In the final battle, Macbeth learns that Macduff was born by caesarean section (not “of woman born”) and is thus able to kill him. Malcolm becomes king, restoring order to Scotland.

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