Hamlet - He is the main protagonist that wishes to avenge the death of his father who was killed by Claudius. Claudius - He became the king and married Gertrude after he killed Old Hamlet. Gertrude - She was the wife of Old Hamlet, and Claudius after Old Hamlet died, and was the mother of Young Hamlet. The Ghost - He is supposedly Hamlet’s slain father and he encourages Hamlet to avenge his death. Minor Characters Horatio - He is a scholar that first attempts to speak with the ghost, and he is Hamlet’s best friend. Ophelia - She is Hamlet’s fiancee who goes crazy when her father dies and Hamlet tells her he does not love her. Settings Denmark - The entire story takes place in Denmark and is about the royal family of Denmark. Cemetery - When Hamlet returns to Denmark, he meets gravediggers and finds out that Ophelia died at the cemetery. Elsinore Castle - This is where Hamlet lives. Plot The play opens with Prince Hamlet depressed over his father's death and his mother's decision to marry the new king, Claudius, after only two months. Hamlet goes to the ramparts after Horatio, his confident, tells him he saw a ghost. That evening, the ghost of King Hamlet tells Hamlet that his brother, Claudius, killed him. Hamlet swears to avenge the murder. Polonius discloses to King Claudius and Queen Gertrude that he suspects Hamlet's madness stems from his love for Ophelia, Polonius' daughter. Hamlet arranges for a play in which the actors perform a scene similar to the actual murder of King Hamlet. Upon seeing the scene, Claudius calls for lights and storms out of the room. Claudius prays and Hamlet hears him confessing to the murder and attempting to absolve himself of sin. Hamlet refuses to take action since Claudius may go to heaven. Hamlet speaks with Gertrude, and Polonius hides and listens to the conversation from behind a curtain. Hamlet hears Polonius and kills him. Claudius sends Hamlet to England because of t...
