Plot
Who do Macbeth and Banquo meet at the start of the story?
The witches
Who is Macbeth’s wife?
Lady Macbeth
Which country is the story set in?
Scotland
What is the main theme linked to Macbeth wanting to be king?
Ambition
Who gives Macbeth the prophecy about becoming king?
The witches
Who is the king at the start of the story?
King Duncan
Who is Macbeth’s loyal friend that he later betrays?
Banquo
What type of buildings do most important events happen in?
Castles
What theme is shown when characters feel guilty after crimes?
Consequences / Guilt
What vision does Macbeth see before killing Duncan?
A floating dagger
What crime does Macbeth commit to become king?
He murders King Duncan
Who kills Macbeth at the end?
Macduff
How does the war setting at the start help describe Macbeth?
It shows he is brave and skilled in battle
What theme is shown through the constant fighting for power?
Corruption of power
What ghost appears to Macbeth at a banquet?
Banquo’s ghost
Why does Macbeth decide to kill Banquo?
Because the prophecy says Banquo’s sons will be kings
How does Lady Macbeth influence Macbeth early in the story?
She pressures and manipulates him into killing Duncan
How does the dark, stormy weather connect to the mood of the story?
It creates tension and reflects chaos and evil
How does fear help Macbeth stay in power?
He uses violence and threats to control others
What do the witches symbolise in the story?
Fate, chaos, and temptation
How does Macbeth’s ambition contribute to his downfall?
It pushes him to commit more crimes, creating enemies and guilt that lead to his defeat
Compare Macbeth at the start vs the end of the story. What changes?
He changes from a brave, respected soldier to a paranoid, violent tyrant
How does the medieval setting help support the theme of power and kingship?
It emphasises loyalty, divine rule, and violent struggles for the throne
How does the story warn audiences about unchecked ambition?
It shows ambition without morals leads to destruction
Do the witches control Macbeth, or do they reveal what he already desires? Explain.
They reveal and encourage ambitions he already has rather than forcing him
What specific event directly turns Macbeth from a hesitant thinker into an active murderer?
Lady Macbeth
Which character represents moral conscience through contrast with Macbeth?
Banquo
What belief system makes killing the king a crime against nature?
Divine Right
What flaw ultimately causes Macbeth’s downfall?
Unchecked ambition
The witches’ prophecies mainly function as what narrative device?
Temptation