Characters:
Malcolm
Macduff
Rosse

Summary:
Malcolm fears that Macduff is going to betray him and favour Macbeth for personal reward. Macduff is offended that Malcolm feels this way.  To test Macduff’s loyalty, Malcolm pretends to be even more sinful than Macbeth.  Malcolm pretends to be lacking in all the virtues that a king should possess. Macduff rejects Macduff as fit to rule Scotland. Malcolm then explains that he had lied about his vices to test Macduff’s loyalty.  Rosse reports that Macduff’s family are well and that men are preparing to rebel against Macbeth’s tyranny. Malcolm plans to invade scotland with the support of England. Rosse breaks the news that Macduff’s wife and children had been murdered. Malcolm and Macduff leave to prepare for the invasion of Scotland.

Quote:  “Fit to govern? No, not to live. – O nation miserable!” – Macduff