Thus do I clothe my naked villainy ...
The House of York has won, after 30 years of bloody civil war, a victory over their rivals (and relatives) the House of Lancaster. Edward of York has been crowned King accompanied by his two brothers George Duke of Clarence and Richard Duke of Gloucester. Richard who has a series of physical deformities decides to cheat, lie and murder his way to the crown - by killing every member of his family that stands in his way.
His first action is to marry the widow of the man he has just murdered and so strengthen his claim to the throne. He then convinces the King that their brother Clarence is treacherous. Clarence is sent to the Tower of London where Richard arranges for him to be murdered - by having him drowned in a barrel of wine. The news of this hastens the King's death. Richard, now Lord Protector, next arranges for the murder of his two young nephews.
While Shakespeare's portrayal has little to do with the historical King Richard III it is a frighteningly credible portrait of one of the most charming and yet ruthless murderers seen on stage.
Fair is foul and foul is fair
The story is set in Scotland, ruled by King Duncan who has two sons; Malcolm and Donalbain. The Norwegians, aided by Irish soldiers, are invading the country. The battle is won largely due to the courage of a noble general, Macbeth and his comrade Banquo. As they leave the scene of the battle, three strange women, appear. They foretell that Macbeth shall become King and that Banquo shall become the father of kings. This prophecy sets in motion a series of murderous events driven by ruthless ambition as Macbeth, urged on by his wife, Lady Macbeth, murders and lies his way to the throne.
He soon discovers the only way he can keep what he has won is by the same lying and murder that first gave it to him.