Scene I – Dunsinane, Lady Macbeth’s chamber: A doctor and a gentlewoman watch a tormented, sleep‑walking Lady Macbeth who obsessively washes imagined blood from her hands, cries “Out, damned spot!” and rattles about the murders. The doctor declares her madness beyond his cure and orders constant watch.
Scene II – Countryside near Dunsinane: Scottish nobles (Menteith, Caithness, Angus, Lennox) rally to Malcolm’s invading force, noting the English army led by Malcolm, Siward and Macduff. They comment on Macbeth’s tyranny and the guilt that stains his hands.
Scene III – Dunsinane, Macbeth’s hall: Macbeth, defiant, repeats the witches’ prophecies – no man born of woman can harm him and Birnam wood will not move to Dunsinage. He rebukes a servant who brings news of the enemy, orders his armor, and demands a cure for his wife’s madness, which the doctor says only the patient can provide.
Scene IV – Birnam Wood: Malcolm, Siward, Macduff and their troops arrive. Malcolm orders each soldier to cut branches and carry them as camouflage, planning to make the wood appear to move toward Dunsinane as foretold.
Scene V – Dunsinane castle: Seyton reports Lady Macbeth’s death. Macbeth delivers the “tomorrow, and tomorrow” soliloquy on life’s futility. A messenger reports that Birnam wood appears to move; Macbeth curses the messenger but resolves to fight, still trusting the witches.
Scene VI – The plain before the castle: Malcolm’s forces, now bearing branches, position for battle. Malcolm urges his troops forward, promising victory.
Scene VII – Battlefield: Macbeth, armored, confronts Young Siward. After a brief duel Young Siward is slain, yet Macbeth still believes he cannot be killed by anyone “not born of woman.”
Scene VIII – Final clash: Macduff confronts Macbeth. Macbeth repeats his “no man born” boast; Macduff reveals he was delivered by Caesarean section, thus not “born.” Macbeth realizes the witches’ equivocation but refuses to yield. They fight fiercely; Macduff kills Macbeth.
Scene IX – After the battle: Malcolm, Siward, Ross and the victorious forces gather. They learn Young Siward has fallen. Macduff enters bearing Macbeth’s severed head, hails Malcolm as king. Malcolm announces the restoration of order, punishment of traitors, and a coronation at Scone, ending the play.