Macbeth is glorious and honorable in a battle for Scotland. On his way home, he comes across three witches that prophesy of his being promoted to the thane of Cawdor, and eventually King of Scotland. Yet, his friend Banquo is also promised heirs who shall continue the royal line of succession.
As King Duncan visits Macbeth at his place in Inverness to honor and celebrate the promotion, a reluctant Macbeth, and an enthusiastic Lady Macbeth, plot to murder the king so that they can take their place as King and Queen of Scotland. After Macbeth murders King Duncan in his sleep, King Duncan's sons, Malcom and Donalbain flee out of concern they are next to be assassinated.
Macbeth is given the title of King of all of Scotland, and Lady Macbeth, Queen. Since the witches prophesied about Banquo's heirs, and Macbeth has none, Macbeth takes it upon himself to have his best friend and fellow soldier, Banquo, murdered as well. Unfortunately, the murderers Macbeth uses are unable to finish the job. Fleance, Banquo's son, evades them. Macbeth becomes overwhelmed by guilt for the "blood on his hands" but continues murdering off the nobility and their families out of fear that he will be replaced. His downfall becomes inevitable as he seeks out the witches for information on how he can maintiain the throne.
The witches provide Macbeth with more insight into the future, but Macbeth mininterprets their words and takes it to mean he is invincible. Meanwhile, Malcom, Macduff and others have gathered in England to plot the overthrow of Macbeth and to restore the rightful King to the throne. Lady Macbeth, who begins the play nearly as callously as Macbeth ends it, dies by her own hand, presumably from guilt, which she is unable to "wash away."
Macbeth eventually faces off against Macduff during the battle for the throne, and is beaten and beheaded. Malcom restores Scotland to its rightful place.
