1. Gather an Army: Malcolm sends messengers throughout Scotland to gather support and raise an army to confront Macbeth's forces.
2. Advance to Dunsinane: Malcolm and his forces march toward Macbeth's castle at Dunsinane. They strategically position their army in Birnam Wood, concealing their true numbers.
3. The Use of Branches: Malcolm instructs his soldiers to cut down branches from Birnam Wood and carry them as they approach Dunsinane. This creates the illusion that the advancing forest is moving, fulfilling the prophecy that Macbeth will not be defeated until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane.
4. Attack on Macbeth's Castle: Malcolm's army, disguised by the branches, launches a surprise attack on Macbeth's castle. The soldiers use the branches as camouflage and protection during the initial assault.
5. Confrontation with Macduff: Inside the castle, Macduff, fueled by vengeance for the murder of his family, seeks out Macbeth. Macbeth initially believes he cannot be harmed due to the witches' prophecies, but Macduff reveals that he was "untimely ripped" from his mother's womb, thereby escaping a natural birth. This nullifies the witches' predictions.
6. Macbeth's Defeat: Realizing his mortality, Macbeth engages in a fierce duel with Macduff. Despite Macbeth's valiant efforts, Macduff ultimately defeats and kills him.
7. Restoration of the Throne: With Macbeth's death, Malcolm is crowned as the rightful King of Scotland, restoring peace and order to the kingdom.
Shakespeare skillfully weaves the threads of fate and prophecy into this tragic tale, leading to Macbeth's downfall and the triumphant rise of Malcolm as the rightful ruler.