Macbeth Summary: Every Character, Theme & Twist Explained

No play moves faster from desire to ruin than Macbeth. A decorated soldier hears a promise and acts on it within days. The fall is just as quick. The Tragedy of Macbeth is a play by William Shakespeare, written around 1606 for the court of King James I. It is the shortest of the major tragedies and moves with rare speed. This guide covers the Macbeth plot summary, key characters, central themes, and famous quotes — and explains why the play still holds the stage. Continue reading Macbeth Summary: Every Character, Theme & Twist Explained