The Conspiracy Against Duncan

The Killer

This flow follows the shifting coalition that joins Macbett, Banco, and Lady Duncan in the murder of Duncan and the seizure of his throne.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Grievance Becomes Plot Grievance Becomes Plot from "The Killer". Grievance Becomes Plot Opposition Assembled Glamiss and Candor articulate the grievances that will later be echoed by Macbett and Banco.

Grievance Becomes Plot from "The Killer". Grievance Becomes Plot Opposition Assembled Glamiss and Candor articulate the grievances that will later be echoed by Macbett and Banco.

Grievance Becomes Plot Opposition Assembled Glamiss and Candor articulate the grievances that will later be echoed by Macbett and Banco. A Wider Political Crisis Their complaints expose a system in which nobles alternate between loyal service and resistance to royal extraction.

Macbett’s Doubt Macbett’s Doubt from "The Killer". Macbett’s Doubt Friendship Under Strain Macbett and Banco discuss Duncan’s treatment of them and repeat the rebels’ language of property and self-rule.

Macbett’s Doubt from "The Killer". Macbett’s Doubt Friendship Under Strain Macbett and Banco discuss Duncan’s treatment of them and repeat the rebels’ language of property and self-rule.

Macbett’s Doubt Friendship Under Strain Macbett and Banco discuss Duncan’s treatment of them and repeat the rebels’ language of property and self-rule. Loyalty Reversed Macbett moves from private criticism to proposing that he take the throne.

Lady Duncan Joins Lady Duncan Joins from "The Killer". Lady Duncan Joins Coalition Completed Lady Duncan joins Macbett and Banco, turning their private grievances into a direct plan to kill Duncan.

Lady Duncan Joins from "The Killer". Lady Duncan Joins Coalition Completed Lady Duncan joins Macbett and Banco, turning their private grievances into a direct plan to kill Duncan.

Lady Duncan Joins Coalition Completed Lady Duncan joins Macbett and Banco, turning their private grievances into a direct plan to kill Duncan. Oaths and Weapons The conspirators cross daggers and name the ruler a tyrant, using ceremony to legitimize their own violence.

The Healing Rite Is Breached The Healing Rite Is Breached from "The Killer". The Healing Rite Is Breached Disguised Entry The conspirators enter among patients seeking the King’s healing touch, then reveal weapons at the critical…

The Healing Rite Is Breached from "The Killer". The Healing Rite Is Breached Disguised Entry The conspirators enter among patients seeking the King’s healing touch, then reveal weapons at the critical…

The Healing Rite Is Breached Disguised Entry The conspirators enter among patients seeking the King’s healing touch, then reveal weapons at the critical moment. Sovereignty Attacked The plot succeeds by turning the symbols of sacred care and protection into cover for murder.

Victory Recast as Rule Victory Recast as Rule from "The Killer". Victory Recast as Rule Immediate Succession Macbett marries a woman presented as Lady Duncan and is acclaimed as ruler.

Victory Recast as Rule from "The Killer". Victory Recast as Rule Immediate Succession Macbett marries a woman presented as Lady Duncan and is acclaimed as ruler.

Victory Recast as Rule Immediate Succession Macbett marries a woman presented as Lady Duncan and is acclaimed as ruler. Legitimacy Unstable The celebratory transition conceals the murder and the false identity at its center.

Before the rebellion’s outcome is known

After Duncan denies Banco his reward

When Lady Duncan appears before the conspirators

During Duncan’s monthly ceremony for the sick

After Duncan’s death