1. The Tragedy of Macbeth
William Shakespeare

2. Background Written between 1604-1606 (approximately)
Is a tragedy-a story in which a heroic character dies or comes to another unhappy end.
The main character in most tragedies is dignified, courageous, and often high-ranking.
Their downfall occurs because of a tragic flaw-a character weakness or error in judgment, or because of circumstances beyond his/her control.

3. Historical Background
Based on real people from history
Shakespeare was inspired by Macbeth’s career as king of Scotland ( )
The history differs: the real Macbeth had a much more legitimate claim to King Duncan’s throne than Shakespeare’s Macbeth
The historical Macbeth had the support of other nobles while Shakespeare’s Macbeth only had his wife as a supporter.
Most likely, there were no witches in the historical story of Macbeth.

4. Act I Characters Scene 1- First witch Second witch Third witch
King
Malcom
Captain
Lennox
Ross
Scene 3-
Macbeth
Banquo
Angus
Scene 4-
No new characters
Scene 5-
Lady Macbeth
Messenger
Scene 6-
Scene 7-

5. Act II Characters
Scene 1- Banquo Fleance Macbeth Scene 2- Lady Macbeth Scene 3- Porter Macduff Lennox Donalbain Malcolm Scene 4- Old man Ross

6. Act III Characters Scene 4-
Lords (2 people to speak in unison)
Lennox
Ross
Scene 5-
First witch
Hecate
Scene 6-
No new characters
Scene 1- Banquo Macbeth Lady Macbeth Attendant First murderer Second murderer Scene 2- Servant Scene 3- Third murderer