Hamlet characters

Appears from the start

The young prince of Denmark, recalled from his studies after his father's death. Intelligent, private, and openly distressed by his mother's rapid marriage to his uncle Claudius, Hamlet feels isolated within the court and distrusts its public display of unity.

Appears from the start

Hamlet's uncle, who has succeeded his dead brother as king and married the widowed queen. Claudius presents the marriage and accession as necessary acts of stability while trying to draw the grieving Hamlet back into court life.

Appears from the start

Queen of Denmark, widow of the former king, and Hamlet's mother. Her quick remarriage to Claudius wounds Hamlet deeply, though she wants her son to set aside his mourning and remain close to the royal household.

First appears in chapter 2

Hamlet's loyal friend and former fellow student. Horatio is level-headed, discreet, and less vulnerable than the courtiers to royal pressure, making him the person Hamlet most readily trusts.

Also known as The Ghost

First appears in chapter 4

An armed apparition resembling Hamlet's dead father, the former king. Its appearance on the castle battlements unsettles the guards and Horatio, who believe Hamlet must be told about it.

First appears in chapter 2

The king's senior counsellor and father of Ophelia and Laertes. Polonius is experienced, talkative, and certain of his own judgment. He treats his children's private choices as matters to supervise and readily turns domestic information into court intelligence.

First appears in chapter 3

Polonius's daughter and a young woman with whom Hamlet has formed a close attachment. She is caught between her feelings for Hamlet and the demands of her father and brother, who warn her that a prince may not be free to choose whom he marries.

First appears in chapter 3

Polonius's son and Ophelia's protective brother. Preparing to leave Denmark, Laertes advises Ophelia to be cautious with Hamlet and receives a long catalogue of advice from their father.

First appears in chapter 10

A former companion of Hamlet summoned to court with Guildenstern. He arrives under royal direction to discover what lies behind Hamlet's changed behaviour, creating an uneasy conflict between old familiarity and service to the king.

First appears in chapter 10

A former companion of Hamlet summoned alongside Rosencrantz. Claudius and Gertrude ask the pair to observe Hamlet and report what they learn, though Hamlet quickly suspects that their visit is not spontaneous.

First appears in chapter 6

A Norwegian prince seeking honour through military action after his father's losses to Denmark. His campaign and willingness to act provide a political counterpoint to Hamlet's inward struggle.

Also known as Player King

First appears in chapter 14

The leader of a travelling company welcomed by Hamlet. His command of performed emotion gives Hamlet a way to test the truth surrounding his father's death.

First appears in chapter 30

A courtier sent to invite Hamlet to a fencing match with Laertes. His elaborate manners conceal the deadly purpose Claudius and Laertes have attached to the apparently friendly contest.