Shakespeare’s stage directions are very limited. Many suggestions of setting, characters, visions, and sound effects are made through the dialogue, instead. For example, in Act II, Banquo says, There's husbandry in heaven; / Their candles are all out.” That’s a poetic way of saying it’s dark out.

What do Macbeth’s witches look like? Sound like? Are they good or evil?

To answer these questions, annotate the witches’ scenes (stage directions and dialogue) for indications of setting and character.

Common images based on text

Movie versions

Unique portrayals of the evil witches