Macbeth ACT ONE Scene Guide

SCENE THREE: UPON THE HEATH
Characters witches, Macbeth, Ross, Banquo, Angus
Action witches call Macbeth the Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor and King, foretelling his rise to power, Macbeth learns that Duncan gave him the title of Thane of Cawdor, Macbeth thinks the witches’ predictions of him becoming King will come true
Staging heath near Forres, witches, cauldron
Problem or Solution? How or Why? Problem- Macbeth and Banquo both want to see how this will play out. Macbeth is already having bad thoughts of being king.
SCENE FOUR: DUNCAN’S CAMP AT FORRES
Charcaters Duncan, Malcolm, Macbeth
Action Macbeth goes to the king’s camp, Duncan thanks him, names Malcolm his successor, Macbeth is upset
Staging King’s throne, good furniture, flags of Scotland; Bloody Captain
Problem or Solution? How or Why? Problem- Duncan names Malcolm as his successor but Macbeth thought he would be
SCENE FIVE: MACBETH’S CASTLE AT INVERNESS
Characters Lady Macbeth, Macbeth
Action Lady Macbeth gets a letter from Macbeth, she vows to get rid of Duncan but is afraid Macbeth will not be man enough, she prays to the gods to make her strong, Macbeth arrives, they conspire
Staging bedroom or library, letter
Problem or Solution? How or Why? Problem- they are conspiring to kill Duncan
SCENE SIX: MACBETH’S CASTLE AT INVERNESS
Characters Duncan, Banquo, Lady Macbeth
Action Duncan arrives, he feels comfortable, Lady Macbeth welcomes him
Staging outdoors, open area of the castle
Problem or Solution? How or Why? Problem- Duncan feels too comfortable
SCENE SEVEN: MACBETH’S CASTLE AT INVERNESS
Characters Macbeth, Lady Macbeth
Action Macbeth is questioning his idea to kill Duncan, Lady Macbeth berates him, tries to give him a “pep talk”
Staging library
Problem or Solution? How or Why? Problem- Macbeth is losing his nerve