Lady Macbeth reads a letter (act 1, scene 5)

Lady Macbeth reads a letter from Macbeth detailing his encounter with the witches and his promotion to Thane of Cawdor. She fears Macbeth is too kind to seize the crown and resolves to influence him to act on the prophecy. When informed that King Duncan will be staying at their castle, she calls upon dark spirits to fill her with ruthlessness and prepare for murder. She sees Duncan's arrival as an opportunity to fulfil the prophecy and sees Macbeth's inherent goodness as a weakness. When Macbeth arrives, Lady Macbeth takes charge, telling Macbeth to appear innocent while harbouring dark intentions. She plans to manipulate him, urging him to appear welcoming while plotting Duncan's demise.