The plot structure of the drama Macbeth can be divided into five acts:

Act 1: The exposition introduces the setting, characters, and conflict. The play opens with three witches who prophesy that Macbeth, a Scottish general, will become king. Macbeth and his friend Banquo encounter the witches and are intrigued by their predictions. Macbeth later receives news that he has been named Thane of Cawdor, which confirms the witches’ prophecy.

Act 2: The rising action begins as Macbeth and his wife, Lady Macbeth, plot to murder King Duncan in order to fulfill the witches’ prophecy. Macbeth hesitates at first, but Lady Macbeth convinces him to go through with the plan. They successfully kill Duncan and frame his guards for the murder.

Act 3: The climax occurs when Macbeth becomes king but is plagued by guilt and paranoia. He orders the murder of Banquo and his son, fearing that they will threaten his reign. Banquo is killed, but his son Fleance escapes.

Act 4: The falling action begins as Macbeth seeks out the witches for more prophecies. They tell him to beware of Macduff, a nobleman who has fled to England. Macbeth orders the murder of Macduff’s family, but Macduff himself is not present.

Act 5: The resolution occurs as Macduff leads an army against Macbeth. Lady Macbeth has gone mad with guilt and dies. Macbeth is killed in battle by Macduff, who reveals that he was born by Caesarean section and therefore not technically "born of woman," fulfilling another of the witches’ prophecies. Malcolm, Duncan’s son, is crowned king and order is restored to Scotland.