# Three Witches — Macbeth character guide

> Three Witches in Macbeth by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Witch Banquo, Witch

**First appearance:** 0000-macbeth

## Snapshot

Three bearded hags who meet Macbeth on a heath in thunder and hail, greeting him with titles he does not yet hold and a future he cannot stop wanting.

## Who they are

They are the play's supernatural instigators, gathering in fog and filthy air to plan a meeting with Macbeth before the battle is even won. Their chant — 'Fair is foul, and foul is fair' — sets the moral weather of the whole tragedy, and their habit of speaking truth in ways that damn is their signature weapon. By hailing Macbeth as thane of Cawdor and king hereafter, they plant the ambition that will consume him, while their masters, Graymalkin and Paddock, hint that they answer to something darker still.

## In the story

### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se/chapters/act-i-scene-i)

The witches convene in a stormy heath, setting their meeting with Macbeth after the battle.

### [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se/chapters/act-i-scene-iii)

Convene on the heath, share tales of mischief, and deliver prophetic greetings to Macbeth and Banquo.

### [Scene V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-v)

The witches are rebuked by Hecate for their dealings with Macbeth and are instructed to meet her at the pit of Acheron.

### [Act IV, Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-i)

Concoct a hellish brew and conjure apparitions to answer Macbeth's demands, then vanish after a dance.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se/characters/three_witches
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/macbeth_se/characters