Characters
The king of Scotland at the beginning of the play
Duncan
Why does Macbeth become Thane of Cawdor?
Duncan rewards him for bravery and loyalty. The last Thane of Cawdor was a traitor.
Why do people suspect Malcolm and Donalbain of being behind Duncan’s murder?
Their running away makes them look guilty.
What prophecies do the witches deliver unto Macbeth during Act 4, Scene 1?
No man born of a woman can hurt Macbeth; Beware the Thane of Fife aka Macduff; Macbeth will not be defeated until the woods move to Dunsinane Hill
How does the prediction that Birnam Wood will move to Dunsinane Hill come true?
The soldiers use tree branches for camouflage as they approach the hill.
His children are prophesied to one day inherit the throne of Scotland
Banquo
Who is named the heir to the throne by Duncan?
Malcolm
What eerie vision does Macbeth have before he kills Duncan?
a bloody dagger
Why does Macbeth have Macduff's family and servants killed?
Macbeth is angry because Macduff has not been loyal to him.
While sleepwalking, Lady Macbeth does what?
Attempts to wash her hands of blood and makes references to her husband’s murders.
An ambitious woman who arranges for and supports her husband’s acquisition of power
Why does Macbeth want to kill King Duncan?
Macbeth wants to be king himself.
What is the main reason that Macbeth kills Banquo?
the witches’ prediction that Banquo’s sons and grandsons will be kings
Why does Macduff want to go to war against Macbeth?
Because he considers him a tyrant.
How does Lady Macbeth die?
She commits suicide.
A nobleman who leads the revolt and swears revenge after his family is slaughtered by Macbeth
Macduff
What prophecy do the witches deliver to Macbeth?
That soon he will be the Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland.
How does Macbeth startle his dinner guests during Act 3?
by speaking with the Ghost of Banquo
In Act IV scene ii, why does Lady Macduff call her husband a traitor?
She feels Macduff has abandoned her and her children
If Macbeth could not be harmed by a man born of woman, why could Macduff kill him?
Macduff was born via C-section
Goddess of witchcraft, plots to ensure that Macbeth is overconfident when heading into the final battle
Hecate
What do Lady Macbeth’s words “unsex me here” mean?
She wants to set aside feminine sentiments that could hinder bloody ambitions.
What is Lady Macbeth's plan to kill Duncan?
She will get his servant's so drunk that Macbeth can sneak in and stab the king with their daggers. They will then pin the murder on the servants.
What does Malcolm say to test Macduff’s loyalty to Scotland?
He claims he would be a worse king than Macbeth.
Who first fights Macbeth? What happens?
Young Siward, and he is killed