1. King Duncan: Macbeth kills King Duncan, the rightful ruler of Scotland, to seize the throne for himself. This murder sets the stage for the rest of the play's tragic events.
2. Banquo: Macbeth orders the assassination of Banquo, his former friend and ally, because he fears Banquo's potential threat to his kingship. Banquo's son, Fleance, escapes the attempt on his life.
3. Macduff's Family: Macbeth orders the massacre of Macduff's wife and children in retaliation for Macduff's defiance and support of the Scottish rebels against Macbeth's rule. This act further alienates Macbeth from his subjects and deepens his descent into tyranny.
4. Lady Macduff: After the death of her husband and children, Lady Macduff is also killed by Macbeth's forces. Her death serves to emphasize the ruthless nature of Macbeth's regime and the tragic consequences of his actions.
5. Servants: Macbeth also has several servants killed, such as the guards who witness the murder of King Duncan and the attendants who discover Banquo's body. These killings are meant to cover up Macbeth's crimes and silence any potential witnesses.
Overall, Macbeth's acts of murder are driven by his ambition to maintain power, his fear of potential rivals, and his increasing paranoia and desperation as his grip on the throne becomes more tenuous. These acts not only have devastating consequences for the victims and their families but also contribute to Macbeth's own downfall and tragic end.