Act 1

In act 1, scene 1 and 2 of Macbeth, Scotland is in the midst of a war with Norway. The play opens with the Captain telling King Duncan of Macbeth's great bravery in the war. He tells how Macbeth split Macdonwald from his naval to his throat and places his head on a stick. Macdonwald rebelled against King Duncan and sided with the Norwegians and fought against Scotland. We also find out that the thane of Cawdor sided with the Norwegians also so King Duncan calls for him to be executed. When the thane of Cawdor possession becomes available, King Duncan makes Macbeth thane of Cawdor and he is also already thane of Glamis. Previously before this occurred, three witches explained how Macbeth would be thane of Cawdor, but also the King of Scotland.

Because of the ironic way that Macbeth became thane of Cawdor, he now believes that he will be king.