Macbeth is a Scottish general who is prophesied by three witches that he will become Thane of Cawdor and then king of Scotland. After the first prophecy comes true, he is manipulated by his wife Lady Macbeth into killing King Duncan so he can take the throne. He then has the Scottish nobleman Banquo murdered because Banquo's sons were prophesied to be king. Macbeth grows increasingly paranoid and tyrannical in his rule as king.