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Macbeth

Macbeth is among the best-known of William Shakespeare's plays, and is his shortest tragedy, believed to have been written some time between 1603 and 1606. It is frequently performed at both amateur and professional levels, and has been adapted for opera, film, books, stage and screen. Often regarded as archetypal, the play tells of the dangers of the lust for power and the betrayal of friends. For the plot Shakespeare drew loosely on historical accounts of King Macbeth of Scotland by Raphael Holinshed and the Scottish philosopher Hector Boece.[1] There are many superstitions centred on the belief the play is somehow "cursed". Some actors will not mention the name of the play aloud, referring to it instead as "The Scottish play". The play is used in the English GCSE.

Duncan – King of Scotland
Malcolm – Duncan's elder son
Donalbain – Duncan's younger son
Macbeth – A general in the army of King Duncan. Thane of Cawdor, Thane of Glamis.
Lady Macbeth – Macbeth's wife
Banquo – Macbeth's friend and a general in the army of King Duncan
Fleance – Banquo's son
Macduff – The Thane of Fife
Lady Macduff – Macduff's wife
Macduff's son
Ross, Lennox, Angus, Mentieth, Caithness – Scottish lords
Siward – Earl of Northumberland, General of the English forces
Young Siward – Siward's son
Seyton – Macbeth's servant and attendant
Hecate – Chief witch/Goddess of Witchcraft
Three Witches
Three Murderers
Porter (or Messenger)
English Doctor
Scottish Doctor
Gentlewoman - Lady Macbeth's attendant


[edit] Synopsis

Scene from Macbeth, depicting the witches' conjuring of an apparition in Act IV, Scene I. Painting by William RimmerThe first act of the play opens amidst thunder and lightning, with the Three Witches deciding that their next meeting shall be with Macbeth. In the following scene, a wounded sergeant reports to King Duncan of Scotland that his generals Macbeth, who is the Thane of Glamis, and Banquo, have just defeated the allied...