In the Scottish Highlands…

The land is rugged

And foggy…

(Unretouched photo…)

In Medieval Scotland, people lived in isolated clans, often with hill or island forts at the center of their communities

They did not take well to strangers telling them what to do, so unifying Scotland into one country was not always an easy task. Our play begins after the unification of Scotland, but before everyone was okay with it…

I. The KEY PLAYERS: Duncan: KING of Scotland Malcolm and Donalbain: his sons Macbeth: a “thane” sworn to Duncan’s service, and a general in Duncan’s army. Lady Macbeth: Macbeth’s wife Banquo: another thane of Duncan; also a general Fleance: Banquo’s young son

And of course… The witches!

II. The INCITING INCIDENT The Thane Macdonwald starts a rebellion against Duncan, with the backing of the Irish army. Duncan commands the Macbeth and Banquo to lead an army to defeat him. They succeed, but before they have a chance to celebrate, the Thane of Cawdor also rebels, this time with the backing of the Norwegian army. They defeat this army too. Duncan is overjoyed, and to show his gratitude, he bequeaths the title of Thane of Cawdor on Macbeth. All seems well, until...

What we know at the beginning of act I, scene iii: As an act of gratitude for saving the kingdom, Duncan has conferred the title of Thane of Cawdor onto Macbeth. What Macbeth DOESN’T know at the beginning of act I scene iii: as an act of gratitude for saving the kingdom, Duncan has conferred the title of Thane of Cawdor onto Macbeth!