Hamlet :Characters

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark The crown prince of Denmark who returns from the university in Wittenberg, Germany, to find his father dead, his mother married to the king's brother (his uncle-now new step-father) Claudius, and Claudius newly self-crowned King.

Claudius, King of Denmark Dead King Hamlet's brother who has usurped the throne and married his sister-in-law. Young Hamlet's former uncle, now step-father.

Gertrude, Queen of Denmark Prince Hamlet's mother, King Hamlet's widow, King Claudius' new wife.

The Ghost Spirit of the late King Hamlet, condemned to walk the earth until his soul is cleansed of its sins.

Polonius The elderly Lord Chamberlain, chief counselor to Claudius.  The father of Laertes and Ophelia

Laertes A student in Paris, Laertes is Polonius' son and Ophelia's brother; he returns from school because of King Hamlet's death, leaves to go back to Paris, and then returns again after his own father's murder.

Ophelia Daughter of Polonius, sister of Laertes, Ophelia is the beloved of Hamlet.

Horatio A commoner, Horatio went to school with Hamlet and remains his loyal best friend. He is smart and well-respected

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Classmates- not true friends of Hamlet's in Wittenberg. Claudius summons them to Elsinore to spy on Prince Hamlet. 

King Fortinbras  King of Norway. He loses his land and life to King Hamlet.

Prince Fortinbras prince of Norway, bound to avenge his father's death by the Danes' hands.  Think Foil.

Osric Affected courtier who plays a minor role as the King's messenger and as umpire of the fencing match between Hamlet and Laertes.

Voltimand and Cornelius Danish courtiers who are sent as ambassadors to the Court of Norway.

Marcellus and Barnardo Danish officers on guard at the castle of Elsinore.

Francisco Danish soldier on guard at the castle of Elsinore.

Reynaldo Young man whom Polonius instructs and sends to Paris to observe and report on Laertes' conduct.

Two Clowns (the Gravediggers) Two rustics (identified as clowns) who dig Ophelia's grave.

Think comic relief for what is an otherwise dark time in the play.