Spoiler warning: this post explains the full ending of Macbeth. If you have not finished the book, stop here and come back later.
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Quick answer: Macduff kills Macbeth in battle, and Malcolm becomes king of Scotland. Macbeth realizes too late that the witches' prophecy about “no man born of woman” does not apply to Macduff, who was born by caesarean.
Quick facts
– Book: Macbeth by William Shakespeare
– First published: 1606
– Type: A tragedy
– Tone of the ending: Tragic
Table of Contents
What Leads Up to the Ending
Macbeth, a Scottish general, hears from three witches that he will be king. Encouraged by Lady Macbeth, he murders King Duncan and takes the throne. He kills others to protect his rule and is haunted by guilt.
What Happens at the End of Macbeth
Malcolm and Macduff lead an army against Macbeth, using branches from Birnam Wood as camouflage. Macbeth's wife dies, and he gives his famous “tomorrow and tomorrow” speech. In the final fight, Macduff reveals that he was born by caesarean section. Macbeth is killed, and his head is displayed. Malcolm is crowned.
The Ending in Five Quick Points
- Malcolm and Macduff lead an army against Macbeth, using branches from Birnam Wood as camouflage.
- Macbeth's wife dies, and he gives his famous “tomorrow and tomorrow” speech.
- In the final fight, Macduff reveals that he was born by caesarean section.
- Macbeth is killed, and his head is displayed.
- Malcolm is crowned.
What Happens to the Main Characters
| Character | What happens to them |
|---|---|
| Macbeth | Killed by Macduff |
| Lady Macbeth | Dies, probably by suicide |
| Malcolm | Becomes king |
| Macduff | Kills Macbeth |
What the Ending Means
The ending restores order but at a high cost. It shows that ambition without conscience leads to ruin.
Other Ways to Read the Ending
Some readers argue that Macbeth is a victim of fate, while others see him as responsible for his choices.
Themes the Ending Brings Together
Ambition. The final pages are where this idea lands hardest, and rereading the last chapters with ambition in mind changes how the ending reads.
Guilt. William Shakespeare uses the closing events to show what guilt costs or achieves, rather than simply stating it.
Fate versus choice. The ending gives fate versus choice a final shape, which is why readers often point to it when they explain what the book is really about.
Power. Even in the last scenes, power keeps shaping the choices the characters make.
Is the Ending Happy or Sad?
Most readers describe the ending of Macbeth as Tragic. That reaction usually depends on what you hoped for the characters and what you expected William Shakespeare to do with the story, so it is worth asking friends how they felt before you compare notes.
Book Versus Adaptation
The 1971, 2015 and 2021 films vary in staging the final fight.
Discussion Questions About the Ending
If you are reading Macbeth with a book club or a friend, these questions work well once everyone has finished:
- Did the ending surprise you, or had you seen it coming from the first chapters?
- What does the final scene say about ambition, and do you agree with William Shakespeare's view?
- Which character made the most important choice in the last part of the book, and was it the right one?
- How would the story feel if it had ended one chapter earlier or one chapter later?
- Does the ending leave you hopeful about the characters, or do you worry about what comes next?
- After finishing, would you describe the book as tragic, or would you choose a different word?
Discussion Prompts by Theme
- Ambition: Which moment in the last chapters made ambition feel most real to you, and did it change how you saw earlier scenes?
- Guilt: How does William Shakespeare use the closing events to say something about guilt, and do you agree with that view?
- Fate versus choice: If you could ask a character about fate versus choice at the very end, who would you ask, and what would you say?
- Power: Does the ending leave power resolved, or is it something that stays unsettled after the last page?
How to Read the Final Chapters Again
- Compare the opening with the close. Look at how the first chapter introduces ambition and how the ending answers it.
- Track each final choice. The table above shows where every main character ends up, so ask which of those outcomes was earned.
- Notice what William Shakespeare leaves unsaid. Gaps in the last pages are often deliberate, and they are where most of the debate about the ending begins.
- Listen for echoes. Images, phrases or settings from earlier in Macbeth often return in the final scene with a new meaning.
Questions to Ask Yourself After Finishing
- Was the ending of Macbeth earned by what came before it, or did it feel sudden?
- Which character's final moment affected you most, and why?
- If you could change one thing about the last chapters, what would it be?
- Did the ending change how you think about the opening pages?
- Would you recommend Macbeth to a friend who dislikes spoilers, or to one who loves a discussion?
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Books to Read After Macbeth
Related: Macbeth by William Shakespeare: Summary and Key Takeaways · 15 Books Like Macbeth You’ll Love
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at the end of Macbeth?
Macduff kills Macbeth in battle, and Malcolm becomes king of Scotland. Macbeth realizes too late that the witches' prophecy about “no man born of woman” does not apply to Macduff, who was born by caesarean.
Is the ending of Macbeth happy or sad?
Most readers call it Tragic.
What does the ending of Macbeth mean?
The ending restores order but at a high cost.
Is the ending of Macbeth the same in the adaptation?
The 1971, 2015 and 2021 films vary in staging the final fight.
Who should read Macbeth before reading the ending explained?
Anyone who plans to read the book, because this post gives away the whole ending.