MEET MACBETH

In the beginning of the play, Macbeth is introduced through indirect characterization as this heroic figure in battle and a great killer for his country.  This is revealed in a story of a battle that a visitor is describing to the king of Scotland, Duncan.  Three witches foreshadow through their predictions of the fortunes of Macbeth and his cousin Banquo.  They say that Macbeth will be a thane of Cawdor, and then, he will be king, while Banquo's children will be children.  They basically give away the ending of the play, but they do not give away the means by which all of this occurs, which is the real story.  Shakespeare's exposition includes characters like the witches and minor attendants who can make comments about Macbeth or his future, foreshadowing Macbeth's destiny and explaining his personality, but not foreshadowing the details of the play, only enough to keep the audience on their toes.