1. The Witches: The play opens with three witches gathering on a heath during a storm. They chant cryptic prophecies and plot to cause mischief.
2. King Duncan's Victory: We learn that King Duncan of Scotland has defeated the rebel Macdonwald and is returning victorious.
3. Macbeth and Banquo: Macbeth and Banquo, two brave generals in Duncan's army, encounter the witches on their way back from battle. The witches hail Macbeth as Thane of Cawdor and future King of Scotland. They also predict that Banquo will father kings.
4. News of Titles: Later, King Duncan announces that he has bestowed the title of Thane of Cawdor upon Macbeth, fulfilling one of the witches' prophecies. This news intrigues Macbeth and plants seeds of ambition within him.
5. Macbeth's Internal Conflict: Macbeth becomes preoccupied with the witches' prophecies and the possibility of becoming king. His ambition begins to consume him, and he grapples with guilt, fear, and uncertainty about whether to pursue this treacherous path.
6. Lady Macbeth's Influence: Lady Macbeth, Macbeth's wife, learns about the witches' predictions and becomes driven by her own desire for power. She manipulates and encourages Macbeth to take action to ensure their rise to the throne.
7. The Murder of Duncan: Lady Macbeth convinces Macbeth to murder King Duncan during a royal visit to their castle. Macbeth is hesitant but eventually gives in to his ambition. He commits the murder and becomes increasingly guilt-ridden and paranoid.
8. Macbeth's Coronation: Macbeth is crowned King of Scotland, but he does not find peace. He is haunted by visions and delusions as the weight of his crime weighs heavily on his mind.
9. Banquo's Suspicions: Banquo suspects Macbeth's involvement in Duncan's murder and poses a potential threat to Macbeth's kingship. Macbeth decides to eliminate Banquo and his son Fleance to secure his position.
Act 1 ends with Macbeth and Lady Macbeth consumed by guilt, paranoia, and their insatiable ambition for power, setting the stage for the tragic consequences that lie ahead.