Macbeth Act 1 Summary with Key Quotes & English Subtitles

Macbeth Act 1 summary explained. Key quotes are kept short with easy to understand analysis.

English subtitles and animated characters reinforce comprehension, learning, and viewer confidence.

Design elements help students with learning disabilities access meaning.

Summary of the Summary

In Macbeth Act 1, three mysterious witches meet in the Scottish countryside. They say they are going to meet someone named Macbeth after a battle is over. Macbeth is a brave thane (like a general) in the Scottish army. He kills an important enemy who is causing problems in the west of Scotland and then he goes on to fight against an invasion on the eastern coast of Scotland.

After the battles, Macbeth and his thane buddy, Banquo, start the long horse ride back to King Duncan's castle.

The three witches stop Macbeth and Banquo in the countryside and tell them 3 prophecies (things that will happen in the future). Macbeth is called "Thane of Cawdor" (not his current name) and is told that he will be king. Banquo is told that he will not be king but his children will become kings. The witches vanish. Just then, riders show up and tell Macbeth that he has been given the name of "Thane of Cawdor" by King Duncan due to his amazing fighting skills. Macbeth and Banquo return to the king. They both are thinking about the witches' prophecies. Are they true? Are they tricks? Macbeth writes a letter to his wife, Lady Macbeth. He tells her what the witches said.

Macbeth thinks that maybe King Duncan will choose him to be the next king. But King Duncan names Malcolm, the king's son, to be the next King of Scotland.

King Duncan also announces that he will visit the Macbeth's castle starting that evening. Macbeth rides to his home to let his wife, Lady Macbeth, know that the king and other thanes will be arriving shortly.

Lady Macbeth wants Macbeth to kill King Duncan that night as he sleeps in their castle. Macbeth doesn't think that's a very good idea, but he agrees to the murderous plan.