HAMLET: Characters
Hamlet
Prince of Denmark. Scholar-son pressed to avenge a murdered king.
Open analysis →Claudius
New king. Smooth operator whose secrets darken the court.
Open analysis →Gertrude
Queen and mother. Torn between stability and her son’s turmoil.
Open analysis →Polonius
Lord Chamberlain. Manager, meddler, maxim-maker.
Open analysis →Ophelia
Daughter of Polonius, loved by Hamlet, pulled by duty and feeling.
Open analysis →Laertes
Polonius’ son. Quick to act; foil to Hamlet’s hesitation.
Open analysis →Horatio
Friend and witness. Steady mind, final teller of the tale.
Open analysis →Rosencrantz & Guildenstern
Summoned schoolfellows turned royal instruments.
Open analysis →The Ghost
Armoured spirit of the old king — the spark of the revenge plot.
Open analysis →Fortinbras
Norwegian prince. Purposeful counterpoint to Hamlet.
Open analysis →