Hamlet Characters
H
Hamlet
Protagonist
Also known as: Prince of Denmark
Thoughtful
Melancholic
Vengeful
Indecisive
The Prince of Denmark, deeply affected by his father's death and his mother's quick remarriage to Claudius. He is driven by a desire to avenge his father's murder and struggles with indecision throughout the play.
TG
The Ghost
Symbolic
Also known as: King Hamlet's Ghost, Spirit of King Hamlet
Vengeful
Commanding
Mysterious
Tragic
The spirit of King Hamlet, who appears to reveal that he was murdered by Claudius. The ghost urges Hamlet to take revenge for his death.
KC
King Claudius
Antagonist
Also known as: Claudius
Cunning
Ambitious
Deceptive
Manipulative
Hamlet's uncle, who becomes King of Denmark after killing his brother, King Hamlet. He works to secure his power while concealing his guilt for the murder.
QG
Queen Gertrude
Supporting
Also known as: Gertrude
Loving
Naive
Compliant
Emotionally dependent
Hamlet's mother and the widow of King Hamlet, who quickly remarries Claudius after her husband's death. She loves Hamlet deeply but appears unaware of Claudius's crimes.
P
Polonius
Supporting
Officious
Meddlesome
Loyal
Long-winded
A councilor and advisor to Claudius, and the father of Ophelia and Laertes. His interference in the affairs of others ultimately contributes to his tragic death.
O
Ophelia
Supporting
Gentle
Obedient
Loving
Fragile
Polonius's daughter and Hamlet's love interest. Her relationship with Hamlet and the death of her father lead to her mental breakdown and eventual tragic death.
L
Laertes
Supporting
Hot-headed
Impulsive
Loyal
Vengeful
Son of Polonius and brother of Ophelia. He is quick to anger and seeks revenge against Hamlet for the death of his father.
H
Horatio
Supporting
Loyal
Steadfast
Rational
Trustworthy
Hamlet's loyal and trusted friend who remains by his side throughout the play. He survives the tragedy in order to tell Hamlet's story after his death.
R
Rosencrantz
Minor
Opportunistic
Obedient
Deceptive
Sycophantic
A former friend of Hamlet who is summoned by Claudius to spy on the prince. He serves as an instrument of Claudius's manipulation.
G
Guildenstern
Minor
Opportunistic
Obedient
Deceptive
Sycophantic
A former friend of Hamlet who is summoned by Claudius to spy on the prince alongside Rosencrantz. He similarly acts as a tool of Claudius's scheming.
F
Fortinbras
Symbolic
Also known as: Prince of Norway
Decisive
Action-oriented
Ambitious
Determined
Prince of Norway who seeks to reclaim land his father lost to King Hamlet. He represents decisive action and stands in sharp contrast to Hamlet's characteristic indecision.
O
Osric
Minor
Courtly
Obsequious
Superficial
A courtier who delivers the invitation to Hamlet for the duel with Laertes. He plays a small but pivotal role in setting up the play's climax.
M
Marcellus
Minor
Dutiful
Observant
Loyal
A sentinel who is among the first to witness the ghost of King Hamlet. He summons Horatio and Hamlet to witness the apparition.
B
Barnardo
Minor
Dutiful
Observant
Loyal
A sentinel who, alongside Marcellus, first sees the ghost of King Hamlet. He helps summon Horatio and Hamlet to witness the ghost.