Hamlet Cast of Characters

Family Tree

Fortinbras Sr.

Old Norway

Claudius

Fortinbras Jr.

Hamlet Sr. (Ghost)

Gertrude

Polonius

Horatio

Guildenstern

Hamlet Jr.

Laertes

Ophelia

Rosencrantz

Ill-fated Prince of Denmark

• Hamlet Jr. is a student at Wittenberg in Germany.
• Seems to be in some kind of relationship with Ophelia, although the dynamic is unclear.
• More of a philosopher than a soldier, but his father was a soldier.
• Playful, introspective, seems to love both of his biological parents, even though his is really, really mad at his mom.

Queen (twice)

• Gertrude, Queen of Denmark and Hamlet's mother.
• Appears happy in her marriage to Hamlet's Uncle, Claudius, but according to Hamlet she really loved Hamlet Sr., as well.
• Seems to care deeply for her son, Hamlet, and appears confused by his behavior throughout the play.

Hamlet Sr.

• Dead before the play starts. His death is the catalyst for the entire plot of Hamlet.
• Appears as a ghost wearing full-battle armor, which is described as a normal occurrence for him.
• Hamlet admired and loved his father, so the appearance of the ghost is triggering for Hamlet in many ways.
• Supposedly died of a snake bite...

King, but also villian

• The younger brother of the dead King Hamlet, Claudius marries the King's widow and assumes the throne.
• Would like everyone to move on from the death of his brother.
• Hamlet Jr. does not like his Uncle/Step-father and makes his feelings known repeatedly.
• Claudius' biggest ally is Polonius, and they do quite a bit of spying and eavesdropping throughout the play.

Hamlet's BFF (sole surivor)

• A friend from college, Horatio is a confidant and supporter of Hamlet.
• Appears interested in philosophy and the humanities and cares deeply for Hamlet.
• Some stagings of the play have Horatio played as someone who has a love interest in Hamlet.
• Horatio is so distraught by Hamlet's death that he seeks to "follow after", but Hamlet stops him.
• He is the one tasked with telling Hamlet's story.

Another son of a slain father....Laertes

• College student in Paris, so similar age to Hamlet Jr.
• Cares for his father Polonius, but sees his flaws; loves his sister Ophelia and feels protective over her.
• Like his father, demonstrates support and loyalty to the Danish throne (which means Claudius).
• Laertes seeks revenge against Hamlet after the death of his father (if this sounds like another father-son dynamic, it should).

Poor Ophelia

• Hamlet's love interest; she has some interest in Hamlet (returns love letters).
• Sister to Laertes and daughter of Polonius.
• Tragic figure who dies after her father's unexpected death.
• Used by Claudius and Polonius to spy on Hamlet and try to get to the bottom of his behavior.

Poor Polonius

• Courtier and close advisor to King Claudius.
• Father to Laertes and Ophelia.
• Giver of a lot of advice:
• "To thine own self be true"
• "Neither a borrower nor a lender be"
• "Give every man thy ear, but few they voice"
• "Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar"