Main characters
HAMLET
Hamlet who plays the protagonist was the Prince of Denmark and son to Queen Gertrude and King Hamlet (who is dead before the play starts). Throughout the play we see a certain insincerity in the young prince. It is almost like he has a different mask for each part. He acts like a different person to suit the situation. There may be some truth to this analogy, but it does not necessarily make him as a conscious schemer, for we all show a different face from time to time due to certain situations. Things like this in a character are not always consciously set out. The character Hamlet, on the other hand, wears many different masks. He changes his disguise so frequently, that it is hard to figure out who he actually is. It is sometimes difficult to tell the difference. In the company of King Claudius and Queen Gertrude, Hamlet is a troubled youth. He is unbalanced by the death of his father. In comparison to when he is in the presence of Horatio, he transforms into a warm and maybe still troubled, friend. When Hamlet is alone with the ghost, he swears himself the avenger of injustice who "with wings as swift as meditation or the thoughts of love" will sweep to his revenge. When he is with Polonius he becomes a trader of shallow humor, with Ophelia he is the frustrated and then an abusive partner, with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, paranoid (out of is mind). With Laertes he turns into a person who is very competitive. So we are left to our own devices in making our own conclusion as to who the true nature of the prince's character is.
Hamlet who plays the protagonist was the Prince of Denmark and son to Queen Gertrude and King Hamlet (who is dead before the play starts). Throughout the play we see a certain insincerity in the young prince. It is almost like he has a different mask for each part. He acts like a different person to suit the situation. There may be some truth to this analogy, but it does not necessarily make him as a conscious schemer, for we all show a different face from time to time due to certain situations. Things like this in a character are not always consciously set out. The character Hamlet, on the other hand, wears many different masks. He changes his disguise so frequently, that it is hard to figure out who he actually is. It is sometimes difficult to tell the difference. In the company of King Claudius and Queen Gertrude, Hamlet is a troubled youth. He is unbalanced by the death of his father. In comparison to when he is in the presence of Horatio, he transforms into a warm and maybe still troubled, friend. When Hamlet is alone with the ghost, he swears himself the avenger of injustice who "with wings as swift as meditation or the thoughts of love" will sweep to his revenge. When he is with Polonius he becomes a trader of shallow humor, with Ophelia he is the frustrated and then an abusive partner, with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, paranoid (out of is mind). With Laertes he turns into a person who is very competitive. So we are left to our own devices in making our own conclusion as to who the true nature of the prince's character is.
CLAUDIUS
King Claudius is the antagonist in this story. He is the brother to the dead King, King Hamlet. He obtained the power of being King by murdering the King. After the Kings death he then goes to become the second husband to Gertrude, who is Hamlets Mother and the Kings wife. Instead of being Hamlets uncle he becomes his step father. He has some form of power that he holds but not all of it. He didn't want to do anything to upset Queen Gertrude and his people so instead of confronting people he gets the help of Laertes, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Unfortunately for Claudius these plots fail. Since he killed his brother Hamlet is out to get revenge, but Claudius becomes aware of the fact that Hamlet knows and tries to get him killed first. Clauisuis teams up with Laertes and plans a sword mach and plans for Hamlet to be killed then. He even has a poisoned cup in case the sword doesn't work. In the end, Claudius falls victim to his own scheme. Hamlet makes him bring from the poisoned cup and wounds him with the poisoned sword. Which were both intended for Hamlet. Some even say that "He is undone by his own weakness. Enslaved by ambition and driven to acts of immorality and lawlessness by his sexual appetite and his lust for power, Claudius is ultimately undone by a lack of fortitude, a lack of commitment to his own evil nature and a need to be seen as honorable when he is not".
King Claudius is the antagonist in this story. He is the brother to the dead King, King Hamlet. He obtained the power of being King by murdering the King. After the Kings death he then goes to become the second husband to Gertrude, who is Hamlets Mother and the Kings wife. Instead of being Hamlets uncle he becomes his step father. He has some form of power that he holds but not all of it. He didn't want to do anything to upset Queen Gertrude and his people so instead of confronting people he gets the help of Laertes, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Unfortunately for Claudius these plots fail. Since he killed his brother Hamlet is out to get revenge, but Claudius becomes aware of the fact that Hamlet knows and tries to get him killed first. Clauisuis teams up with Laertes and plans a sword mach and plans for Hamlet to be killed then. He even has a poisoned cup in case the sword doesn't work. In the end, Claudius falls victim to his own scheme. Hamlet makes him bring from the poisoned cup and wounds him with the poisoned sword. Which were both intended for Hamlet. Some even say that "He is undone by his own weakness. Enslaved by ambition and driven to acts of immorality and lawlessness by his sexual appetite and his lust for power, Claudius is ultimately undone by a lack of fortitude, a lack of commitment to his own evil nature and a need to be seen as honorable when he is not".
LAERTES
Laertes is the son of Polonius and the brother of Ophelia. At the begging of the play we don't see him much what we do see is him warning Ophelia about Hamlet. He tells her that "Hamlet will soon lose his desire for her, and that it is not Hamlet's own choice but the king's as to whom he will marry". He then goes back to France. He returns back to Denmark upon hearing about the death of his father. Laertes goes and confronts the King. He thought that he was responsible for Polonius' death. As soon as the King explains to him who the real killer was the idea to kill Hamlet and avenge Polonius' death comes to his mind. It is suggest by Claudius. When Ophelia starts to go crazy, this influences Laertes actions even more. Laertes finds out that Ophelia fell into the water when the branch she was on broke. She was too insane to save herself and she drowned. His sister's death strengthens. At the funeral Hamlet and Laertes both leap into Ophelia's grave.When Laertes attacks Hamlet, due to anger and sorrow, the two have to be held back to avoid a fight. Claudius goes on to arrange a fencing match between the two men. Laertes put poison on the sharp end of his sword inorder to kill Hamlet. King Claudius provides a poisoned drink as a backup. Things don't go to plan Queen Gertrude accidentally drink it. Hamlet and Laertes also swoop sword accidentally and Laertes gets wounded by his own poisonous sword.In the final scene, he kills Hamlet with a poisoned sword to avenge the deaths of his father and sister, for which he blamed Hamlet
GERTRUDE
Gertrude was the Queen of Denmark and was Hamlets mother in the play. She becomes a widow due to Hamlets father being murdered by Claudius then gets married again to hamlets uncle and her dead husbands brother Claudius. Gertrude reveals that she has no guilt in her marriage with Claudius after the death of the King.Hamlet begins to show signs of jealousy towards Claudius. Hamlet thinks that, his mother "scarcely mourned her husband's death before marrying Claudius". Through the play we see how her "desire for social status motivate her immoral behavior".
Gertrude was the Queen of Denmark and was Hamlets mother in the play. She becomes a widow due to Hamlets father being murdered by Claudius then gets married again to hamlets uncle and her dead husbands brother Claudius. Gertrude reveals that she has no guilt in her marriage with Claudius after the death of the King.Hamlet begins to show signs of jealousy towards Claudius. Hamlet thinks that, his mother "scarcely mourned her husband's death before marrying Claudius". Through the play we see how her "desire for social status motivate her immoral behavior".
THE GHOST
This is the spirit of Hamlets late father King Hamlet. He want tells Hamlet about how Claudius, his step father and uncle murdered him. As revenge he wants Hamlet to kill Claudius. The Ghost first appears to the two soldiers Barnardo, Marcellus and Horatio. In fear they draw their swords and stand. Since Horatio is a scholar the ask him to address the ghost. Horatio asks the ghost to speak. Before he has a chance to do so the cock crows, which signifies that it is now morning. the Ghost quickly disappears. During the scene the people who are present can recognize the ghost to be the now late King, dressed in his full amour. Later on in the play Hamlet is informed about the Ghost and goes to meet with him. He finds out that it is his father and he explains to Hamlet about how his brother Claudius murdered him. In order to seek vengeance Claudius needed to be killed.
This is the spirit of Hamlets late father King Hamlet. He want tells Hamlet about how Claudius, his step father and uncle murdered him. As revenge he wants Hamlet to kill Claudius. The Ghost first appears to the two soldiers Barnardo, Marcellus and Horatio. In fear they draw their swords and stand. Since Horatio is a scholar the ask him to address the ghost. Horatio asks the ghost to speak. Before he has a chance to do so the cock crows, which signifies that it is now morning. the Ghost quickly disappears. During the scene the people who are present can recognize the ghost to be the now late King, dressed in his full amour. Later on in the play Hamlet is informed about the Ghost and goes to meet with him. He finds out that it is his father and he explains to Hamlet about how his brother Claudius murdered him. In order to seek vengeance Claudius needed to be killed.
OPHELIA
Ophelia was the daughter of Polonius and the sister of Laertes. It appears that Ophelia herself is not as important as her representation of the dual nature if women in the play. She is a character who comes across as emotionally vulnerable. She plays Hamlets love interest until he tells her that he doesn't love her. Throughout the play she begins to allow herself to be used as some sort of bait in the trap that Polonius sets up to spy on hamlet. Due to becoming mad she drowns herself and dies. Her death adds 'fuel to the fire' in the regard to her brother wanting to fight with Hamlet.
Ophelia was the daughter of Polonius and the sister of Laertes. It appears that Ophelia herself is not as important as her representation of the dual nature if women in the play. She is a character who comes across as emotionally vulnerable. She plays Hamlets love interest until he tells her that he doesn't love her. Throughout the play she begins to allow herself to be used as some sort of bait in the trap that Polonius sets up to spy on hamlet. Due to becoming mad she drowns herself and dies. Her death adds 'fuel to the fire' in the regard to her brother wanting to fight with Hamlet.
POLONIUS
Polonius is the father of Ophelia and Laertes as well as the Chief counselor of the king. He comes across as a controlling father towards his children. In act 1 he give his son, Laertes advice upon him leaving for France. He finishes by giving his son his blessing, and acts as if he is apparently at ease with his son's departure. However, in act 2, Scene 1, he orders his servant Reynaldo to travel to Paris and spy on Laertes and report back to him. Polonius spies upon not just his son but also on Hamlet. He is fearful that Hamlet's relationship with Ophelia might hurt his reputation with the King and tells Ophelia to "lock herself from Hamlet's resort." He later thinks that Ophelia's rejection of Hamlet's attention is what makes Hamlet go crazy.He goes on to inform Claudius and Gertrude of his suspicion. He claims that he told Ophelia to reject Hamley because he was above her station. In a last attempt to spy on Hamlet, Polonius hides himself in Gertrude's room. Hamlet makes his mother upset and thins causes her to cry out for help. Polonius makes a sound at the request for help and is heard by Hamlet. Hamlet mistakes the voice for Claudius' and stabs through the arras and kills him. Polonius' death at the hands of Hamlet causes Claudius to fear for his own life, Ophelia to go mad, and Laertes to seek revenge, which leads to the duel in the final act.
Polonius is the father of Ophelia and Laertes as well as the Chief counselor of the king. He comes across as a controlling father towards his children. In act 1 he give his son, Laertes advice upon him leaving for France. He finishes by giving his son his blessing, and acts as if he is apparently at ease with his son's departure. However, in act 2, Scene 1, he orders his servant Reynaldo to travel to Paris and spy on Laertes and report back to him. Polonius spies upon not just his son but also on Hamlet. He is fearful that Hamlet's relationship with Ophelia might hurt his reputation with the King and tells Ophelia to "lock herself from Hamlet's resort." He later thinks that Ophelia's rejection of Hamlet's attention is what makes Hamlet go crazy.He goes on to inform Claudius and Gertrude of his suspicion. He claims that he told Ophelia to reject Hamley because he was above her station. In a last attempt to spy on Hamlet, Polonius hides himself in Gertrude's room. Hamlet makes his mother upset and thins causes her to cry out for help. Polonius makes a sound at the request for help and is heard by Hamlet. Hamlet mistakes the voice for Claudius' and stabs through the arras and kills him. Polonius' death at the hands of Hamlet causes Claudius to fear for his own life, Ophelia to go mad, and Laertes to seek revenge, which leads to the duel in the final act.
HORATIO
Horatio is seen as a character who is calm intelligent and loyal. He is Hamlets friend. We first see him when the guards call him so that he can address the Ghost since they were too afraid to do so. He himself is not afraid of the ghost but he was in fear of that since the ghost but he was not afraid of the ghost but he was in fear of that since the Ghost had appeared it meant something was wrong in Denmark. When he talks to the ghost he is calm and demands it to tell him its reason for appearing in regard to whether it is good news or bad news about the future of Denmark. Horatio is also a person who is not afraid to speak his mind to Hamlet. He is worried about Hamlet and thinks Hamlet and thinks he might be "tempted to lose reason and be drown to madness" when he decides to follow the ghost. Horatio is worried the madness will turn into suicidal thoughts for Hamlet. Horatio is a very loyal friend to Hamlet. In the play we see him allowing himself to be sworn to silence and to keep Hamlets secret about how the King was poisoned and died. Throughout the play we see Horatio continuously look out for Hamlet sand warn him about things etc.
Horatio is seen as a character who is calm intelligent and loyal. He is Hamlets friend. We first see him when the guards call him so that he can address the Ghost since they were too afraid to do so. He himself is not afraid of the ghost but he was in fear of that since the ghost but he was not afraid of the ghost but he was in fear of that since the Ghost had appeared it meant something was wrong in Denmark. When he talks to the ghost he is calm and demands it to tell him its reason for appearing in regard to whether it is good news or bad news about the future of Denmark. Horatio is also a person who is not afraid to speak his mind to Hamlet. He is worried about Hamlet and thinks Hamlet and thinks he might be "tempted to lose reason and be drown to madness" when he decides to follow the ghost. Horatio is worried the madness will turn into suicidal thoughts for Hamlet. Horatio is a very loyal friend to Hamlet. In the play we see him allowing himself to be sworn to silence and to keep Hamlets secret about how the King was poisoned and died. Throughout the play we see Horatio continuously look out for Hamlet sand warn him about things etc.
ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN
These two men seem incapable of functioning independently. In the play they are basically like one character. They arrive in Denmark to serve as paid informants on their friend from college, and they practically fall all over each other in their attempt to suck up to King Claudius. Their job is to simply spy on Hamlet. They use their claimed friendship with him to gain his confidence. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern first appear in act 2 scene 2. In this scene we see them attempt to place themselves in the confidence of Hamlet. Hamlet refers to them as "excellent good friends", but, seeing through their guise he comments, that they won't "deal justly" with him about their mission. When he realizes that he doesnt have many people who he can actually trust aside from Horatio. Hamlet goes on to gives them the speech "What a piece of work is a man" to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.
These two men seem incapable of functioning independently. In the play they are basically like one character. They arrive in Denmark to serve as paid informants on their friend from college, and they practically fall all over each other in their attempt to suck up to King Claudius. Their job is to simply spy on Hamlet. They use their claimed friendship with him to gain his confidence. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern first appear in act 2 scene 2. In this scene we see them attempt to place themselves in the confidence of Hamlet. Hamlet refers to them as "excellent good friends", but, seeing through their guise he comments, that they won't "deal justly" with him about their mission. When he realizes that he doesnt have many people who he can actually trust aside from Horatio. Hamlet goes on to gives them the speech "What a piece of work is a man" to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.
Speech: "I will tell you why; so shall my anticipation prevent your discovery, and your secrecy to the King and queene: moult no feather. I have of late, (but wherefore I know not) lost all my mirth, forgone all custom of exercises; and indeed, it goes so heavily with my disposition; that this goodly frame the earth, seems to me a sterile promontory; this most excellent canopy the air, look you, this brave o'er hanging firmament, this majestical roof, fretted with golden fire: why, it appeareth no other thing to me, than a foul and pestilent congregation of vapours. 'What a piece of work is a man! How noble in reason, how infinite in faculty! In form and moving how express and admirable! In action how like an Angel! in apprehension how like a god! The beauty of the world! The paragon of animals! And yet to me, what is this quintessence of dust? Man delights not me; no, nor Woman neither; though by your smiling you seem to say so"When Hamlet kills Plolonius, King Claudius gets Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to accompany Hamlet to England. The two of them are given a letter for the King of England. This letter instructs him to have Hamlet killed. Further on during the journey, the distrustful Hamlet finds and rewrites the letter. He changes it and instructs the person who is meant to be murdering him to murder Rosencrantz and Guildenstern instead. When their ship is attacked by pirates, Hamlet returns to Denmark, leaving Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to die. In act 5, Scene 2 Hamlet says "They are not near my conscience; their defeat / Does by their own insinuation grow". Later on the ambassadors report that "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead."
BARNARDO AND MARCELLUS
These two characters are the two guards who see the Ghost first before Hamlet and report to him about what they would have seen. They summon Horatio to witness the encounter with the ghost. Marcellus is present when Hamlet has his first encounter with the ghost.
These two characters are the two guards who see the Ghost first before Hamlet and report to him about what they would have seen. They summon Horatio to witness the encounter with the ghost. Marcellus is present when Hamlet has his first encounter with the ghost.