Hamlet characters

Also known as Prince Hamlet

First appears in chapter 2

The prince of Denmark, recalled from university after his father's death. He remains in mourning while his mother Gertrude has quickly married his uncle Claudius, the new king, and he is deeply troubled by the changed court.

Also known as King Claudius

First appears in chapter 2

The new king of Denmark and brother of the late king. He has married the widowed Queen Gertrude and presents their marriage, Hamlet's grief, and a foreign threat as matters requiring calm, unified government.

Also known as Queen Gertrude

First appears in chapter 2

Hamlet's mother and the queen of Denmark. Recently widowed, she has married Claudius and urges her son to set aside prolonged mourning and remain at the Danish court.

Appears from the start

Hamlet's friend from the university at Wittenberg. Thoughtful and reliable, he comes to Elsinore for the former king's funeral and joins the watch after hearing that a figure resembling the dead king has appeared at night.

Appears from the start

A silent armored figure resembling Hamlet's dead father, seen by the guards on the battlements at Elsinore. Its appearance raises fears that Denmark faces a hidden danger, and Horatio decides Hamlet must be told.

First appears in chapter 3

The king's chief counselor and father of Laertes and Ophelia. Fond of maxims, elaborate explanations, and courtly management, he advises his children closely and is confident in his own ability to diagnose other people's motives.

First appears in chapter 3

Polonius's daughter, a young noblewoman who has received Hamlet's private attentions. Her father and brother both warn that a prince may not be free to marry for love, placing family obedience against her feelings for Hamlet.

First appears in chapter 2

Polonius's son and Ophelia's brother, preparing to return to France after attending the royal ceremonies. He is affectionate toward Ophelia but cautions her not to rely on Hamlet's courtship.

First appears in chapter 13

A former school companion of Hamlet, summoned to Elsinore with Guildenstern. Claudius and Gertrude ask the pair to spend time with the prince and discover the cause of his altered behavior.

First appears in chapter 13

A former school companion of Hamlet, summoned alongside Rosencrantz to investigate Hamlet's distress. He approaches Hamlet as a friend while also accepting a commission from the king and queen.

Also known as Prince Fortinbras

Appears from the start

The prince of Norway, whose father was killed by Hamlet's father and whose lost lands are now claimed by Denmark. Reports that he is gathering armed men make him an early concern for Claudius's government.

First appears in chapter 17

An actor leading a visiting troupe that Hamlet has admired before. His command of emotion in performance gives Hamlet an opportunity to test both the court and his own response to the task before him.

Also known as First Clown

First appears in chapter 40

A cemetery worker digging a grave at Elsinore. His jokes about death and social rank hold Hamlet's attention, and his work brings the prince into direct contact with the physical remains of people he once knew.

First appears in chapter 41

An elaborately mannered courtier sent to invite Hamlet to a fencing match with Laertes. Hamlet mocks his fashionable speech but accepts the formal challenge he carries.