Act One Summary

In the beginning, the three witches are plotting and agree to meet with Macbeth when the battle's over. In the start of the next scene, the King's (Duncan) son, Malcolm, reports the news of the battle to Duncan. He says that Macbeth and Banquo fought the hardest and smartest, and as a result, Macbeth is rewarded the title of Thane of Cawdor. The witches stop Macbeth and Banquo on their way back from the battle to tell them their prophecies. They say that Macbeth is the Thane of two places and will be king as well, and this plants the evil seed in Macbeth. They tell Banquo he will be happy and his sons will be kings. Macbeth is concerned when Malcolm is named as Duncan's successor because now Macbeth won't be crowned king right away after Duncan dies. Lady Macbeth is excited when she reads Macbeth's letter but is worried that he won't be able to go through with killing Duncan. When Macbeth gets home, they plan for when the king arrives for dinner. Lady Macbeth is plotting all through dinner, hiding it with her smile.  Macbeth is worried he won't be able to kill him but Lady Macbeth calls him some names and gets him back into it.