Shakespeare immediately started Macbeth with a supernatural scene. The three witches set the somber and evil tone of the plot. In Hamlet, Shakespeare also presented a supernatural occurrence close to the opening. The ghost of Hamlet's father presented itself to Hamlet with a chilling story. In both situations, the tragic hero was not sure whether the spirits were good or evil.
            
             The presentation of the supernatural began to lead to the final downfall of each of the characters. In Macbeth, the three witches caused him to think and do evil deeds. If he had never met the witches, he would not have been tempted to murder the king; therefore, he would not have placed himself in the position that he felt he needed to kill everyone who crossed his path. If he hadn't been so treacherous, Macduff would not have called for war, and he would not have murdered him. In Hamlet, if he had not seen the ghost of his father, he would not have known that the reigning king had committed murder to gain the throne. If Hamlet hadn't known this vital piece of information, the final battle would never have taken place, and Hamlet would have lived. In both instances the characters gave into the nagging supernatural beliefs, and hence they lost their lives.
            
             It is evident that Shakespeare used a strong, similar story line in all of his tragedies. Apparently, Macbeth and Hamlet are similar stories in numerous ways. Shakespeare found a method that worked, would sell, and then he stuck with it.
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