"Macbeth" is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare, likely between 1603 and 1606. The play tells the story of the rise and fall of the ambitious Scottish general Macbeth, who, spurred on by prophecies from witches and the influence of his wife, Lady Macbeth, succumbs to the temptation of power.

The story begins with Macbeth and his friend Banquo encountering three witches who prophesy that Macbeth will become king of Scotland. Driven by ambition and encouraged by Lady Macbeth, he murders King Duncan to take his place on the throne. However, guilt and paranoia begin to consume both Macbeth and his wife, leading to a spiral of violence and murder as he seeks to eliminate any threat to his power.

Lady Macbeth's mental health deteriorates as she becomes overwhelmed by guilt, culminating in her death. Macbeth, in turn, becomes increasingly tyrannical and isolated, believing in the witches' prophecies that lead him to underestimate his enemies. His tyranny provokes rebellion, and he ultimately faces Macduff, a nobleman seeking revenge for the murder of his family.

The climax of the tragedy occurs when Macduff confronts Macbeth, revealing that he was not born of a woman in the conventional way, but by cesarean section, as foretold by the witches' prophecy. Macbeth is defeated, and the play concludes with the restoration of order and the ascension of Malcolm, Duncan's son, to the throne.

"Macbeth" explores themes such as ambition, guilt, fate, and the struggle between good and evil, establishing itself as one of Shakespeare's most studied and performed works.