The three factors that lead to Macbeth's downfall are the witches' supernatural prophecies, Macbeth's unchecked ambition, and his wife's persuasive influence. Immediately after the Three Witches refer to Macbeth as the Thane of Cawdor and future king, Ross and Angus inform him that he has been given the title Thane of Cawdor. This news awakens Macbeth's ambitious nature, as he immediately begins to contemplate murdering the king. Despite his initial reservations about committing regicide, Lady Macbeth ridicules her husband and persuades him to assassinate the king. Before murdering King Duncan, Macbeth acknowledges that his unchecked ambition is the only thing motivating him to commit the crime. Once Macbeth murders King Duncan, he becomes overwhelmed with guilt and paranoia about his newly acquired political enemies. Macbeth then focuses his attention on cementing his legacy and also kills his close friend Banquo. After visiting the witches for the second time, he becomes overconfident and begins to reign as a bloodthirsty tyrant before Macduff kills him in the final battle.
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