01.08 Macbeth Plot Analysis
Element
Definition
ACT in the Play
Exposition
What you need to know. Background information is presented, main characters are introduced, and the conflict is established.
Macbeth’s encounter with the three weird sisters. Lady Macbeth’s reaction and response to the news of Macbeth’s predicated rise to the crown.
Rising Action
The conflicts and challenges encountered by the characters.
Lady Macbeth and Macbeth plotting to kill the king. King Duncan is murdered. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s reaction and response after the murder.
Climax
The turning point in the conflict. Tension builds until the main character makes the key decision in the story.
The climax is the appearance of Banquo’s ghost at Macbeth’s coronation celebration.
Falling Action
The events that occur after the main character makes the key decision in the story.
Macbeth’s increasingly brutal murders (of Duncan’s servants, Banquo, Lady Macduff and her son); Macbeth’s second meeting with the witches; Macbeth’s final confrontation with Macduff and the opposing armies.
Resolution
The resolution is where all the questions are answered and loose ends are tied, providing a clear ending.
Macduff kills Macbeth and Duncan’s son Malcolm becomes the king.
Event
Text Support
Why is it important to the story?
The three weird sisters meet Macbeth.
All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be King hereafter!
It is the exposition of the story. This is what starts the story and the main conflict.
Macbeth kills King Duncan.
If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well
It were done quickly.
This is the rising action of the play, this is what leads Macbeth to start brutally murdering people.
Macbeth dies in battle losing to Macduff.
And thou oppos'd, being of no woman born,
Yet I will try the last. Before my body
I throw my warlike shield: lay on, Macduff;
And damn'd be him that first cries, "Hold, enough!"
This is the resolution of the story. This is when all the problems are solved and
Definition
ACT in the Play
Exposition
What you need to know. Background information is presented, main characters are introduced, and the conflict is established.
Macbeth’s encounter with the three weird sisters. Lady Macbeth’s reaction and response to the news of Macbeth’s predicated rise to the crown.
Rising Action
The conflicts and challenges encountered by the characters.
Lady Macbeth and Macbeth plotting to kill the king. King Duncan is murdered. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s reaction and response after the murder.
Climax
The turning point in the conflict. Tension builds until the main character makes the key decision in the story.
The climax is the appearance of Banquo’s ghost at Macbeth’s coronation celebration.
Falling Action
The events that occur after the main character makes the key decision in the story.
Macbeth’s increasingly brutal murders (of Duncan’s servants, Banquo, Lady Macduff and her son); Macbeth’s second meeting with the witches; Macbeth’s final confrontation with Macduff and the opposing armies.
Resolution
The resolution is where all the questions are answered and loose ends are tied, providing a clear ending.
Macduff kills Macbeth and Duncan’s son Malcolm becomes the king.
Event
Text Support
Why is it important to the story?
The three weird sisters meet Macbeth.
All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be King hereafter!
It is the exposition of the story. This is what starts the story and the main conflict.
Macbeth kills King Duncan.
If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well
It were done quickly.
This is the rising action of the play, this is what leads Macbeth to start brutally murdering people.
Macbeth dies in battle losing to Macduff.
And thou oppos'd, being of no woman born,
Yet I will try the last. Before my body
I throw my warlike shield: lay on, Macduff;
And damn'd be him that first cries, "Hold, enough!"
This is the resolution of the story. This is when all the problems are solved and