A general in the army of King Duncan, Macbeth's original title is Thane of Glamis, then Thane of Cawdor, and later King of Scotland.

In the backstage world of theatre, some actors believe the play to be cursed, and refuse to say its title aloud, referring to it instead as "The Scottish Play".

With only 17,121 words, Macbeth is Shakespeare's shortest tragedy.

It is thought to have been first performed in 1606.

After a trio of witches foretell that he will become King of Scotland, Macbeth murders King Duncan in a bid to make the prophecy a reality.

Banquo spots the witches before Macbeth does and is not afraid to question them, wishing for a prediction as to his future as well. When the first prediction comes true, he is worried that it may make Macbeth covet the crown.

In Act V, Lady Macbeth enters in a trance with a candle in her hand. Bemoaning the murders of Duncan, Lady Macduff, and Banquo, she tries to wash imaginary bloodstains from her hands.

Duncan is killed in his sleep, at Macbeth's castle in Inverness, an act that leads to Macbeth's ultimate downfall.

Donalbain, Duncan's second son, flees to Ireland, arguing that by going to separate places he and his brother will be safer.

Donalbain says this to his brother, Malcolm, after their father is murdered.