Final answer:
In Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', Macbeth kills King Duncan to become the king of Scotland, an act that sets in motion his tragic downfall.
Step-by-step explanation:
In William Shakespeare's Macbeth, the king of Scotland that Macbeth kills to ascend the throne is Duncan. Macbeth, encouraged by his ambitious wife and a prophecy from three witches suggesting he will become the new king, takes fate into his own hands and murders King Duncan in his sleep.
This act of regicide is the inciting incident of the play, leading to Macbeth's eventual downfall as he becomes increasingly tyrannical and guilt-ridden over his actions.
The King of Scotland that Macbeth kills to ascend the throne in Shakespeare's play 'Macbeth' is Duncan. In Act I, Macbeth is told by the witches that he will become the Thane of Cawdor and then the King of Scotland. Macbeth's ambition drives him to kill King Duncan, his cousin, in order to take the throne.
This act sets off a chain of events that lead to Macbeth's downfall.