Macbett’s Rise and Fall

The Killer

This flow traces Macbett’s ascent from loyal general to usurping ruler and his eventual defeat by Macol.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Loyal General The Loyal General from "The Killer". The Loyal General Public Allegiance Macbett praises Duncan as virtuous and declares that his oath makes him faithful to the ruler.

The Loyal General from "The Killer". The Loyal General Public Allegiance Macbett praises Duncan as virtuous and declares that his oath makes him faithful to the ruler.

The Loyal General Public Allegiance Macbett praises Duncan as virtuous and declares that his oath makes him faithful to the ruler. Loyalty as Identity His initial self-image rests on obedience rather than ambition.

A Victory Rewarded A Victory Rewarded from "The Killer". A Victory Rewarded Royal Favor Duncan rewards Macbett with Candor’s title while reserving much of the conquered property for himself.

A Victory Rewarded from "The Killer". A Victory Rewarded Royal Favor Duncan rewards Macbett with Candor’s title while reserving much of the conquered property for himself.

A Victory Rewarded Royal Favor Duncan rewards Macbett with Candor’s title while reserving much of the conquered property for himself. Uneasy Advancement The reward elevates Macbett but exposes the transactional nature of his bond with the Archduke.

Prophecy and Temptation Prophecy and Temptation from "The Killer". Prophecy and Temptation Future Offered The Witches tell Macbett that he will become king and encourage him to recognize the ambition they claim is already…

Prophecy and Temptation from "The Killer". Prophecy and Temptation Future Offered The Witches tell Macbett that he will become king and encourage him to recognize the ambition they claim is already…

Prophecy and Temptation Future Offered The Witches tell Macbett that he will become king and encourage him to recognize the ambition they claim is already within him. Resistance Weakens Their political criticism of Duncan turns his loyalty into doubt and opportunity.

Duncan’s Assassination Duncan’s Assassination from "The Killer". Duncan’s Assassination Betrayal at Court Macbett joins Banco and Lady Duncan in a conspiracy and kills Duncan during a public healing ceremony.

Duncan’s Assassination from "The Killer". Duncan’s Assassination Betrayal at Court Macbett joins Banco and Lady Duncan in a conspiracy and kills Duncan during a public healing ceremony.

Duncan’s Assassination Betrayal at Court Macbett joins Banco and Lady Duncan in a conspiracy and kills Duncan during a public healing ceremony. Power Seized The murder breaks the old order while repeating the violence by which Macbett’s own power was gained.

The Marching Forest The Marching Forest from "The Killer". The Marching Forest Prophecy Fulfilled Macol advances as the forest appears to march against Macbett, undermining the protection he believed prophecy…

The Marching Forest from "The Killer". The Marching Forest Prophecy Fulfilled Macol advances as the forest appears to march against Macbett, undermining the protection he believed prophecy…

The Marching Forest Prophecy Fulfilled Macol advances as the forest appears to march against Macbett, undermining the protection he believed prophecy guaranteed. Defeat Macol kills Macbett, ending his brief rule but not the cycle of violent succession.

At the opening on the field

After the battle against the rebels

During Macbett’s encounters with the Witches

During the staged healing rite

At the final confrontation with Macol