Macbeth is a Shakespearean tragedy about the rise and fall of the Scottish general Macbeth after he is convinced by three witches and his wife to murder the king to take the throne. The play explores the themes of ambition and guilt. It was written between 1603-1606 and draws on historical accounts of King Macbeth of Scotland. The play includes characters such as Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Duncan, and Banquo and examines Macbeth's transformation from war hero to murderer.