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Key plot detail

A timeline of the major events in the plot of Macbeth
  1. While returning from a battle victory, Macbeth, a powerful lord, meets three Witches who predict that he will become King of Scotland.
  2. Macbeth tells his wife of the Witches' predictions and she encourages him to murder the current king, Duncan, who is staying with them as a guest.
  3. After Macduff discovers the murder, Duncan's sons flee the country, leaving the way clear for Macbeth to become king.
  4. Banquo, Macbeth's best friend, becomes suspicious of what his friend has done so Macbeth has him murdered too.
  5. Macbeth pays a second visit to the Witches and receives more predictions.
  6. In England, Malcolm (Duncan's elder son) and his chief supporter, Macduff, plan to invade Scotland to win back the throne. An enraged Macbeth has Macduff's wife and children killed; Macduff swears revenge.
  7. Lady Macbeth suffers from guilt for what she has done and eventually commits suicide.
  8. Malcolm's invasion is successful and Macduff kills Macbeth. Malcolm becomes the new King of Scotland and the country counts the cost of Macbeth's short but bloody reign.

Macbeth is a play about how ambition and the love of power can destroy someone and those around them.