Hamlet mid term

Hamlet

Prince of Denmark, grieving his father's death, suspicious of his uncle.

King Claudius

Hamlet's uncle; newly crowned king; married Hamlet's mother.

Queen Gertrude

 Hamlet's mother; recently married Claudius.

Ghost

The spirit of Hamlet's dead father; claims he was murdered.

Horatio

Hamlet's loyal friend from school; rational and trustworthy.

Polonius

 Advisor to the king; father of Laertes and Ophelia.

Ophelia

 Polonius's daughter; Hamlet has feelings for her.

Laertes

Polonius's son; protective of Ophelia.

Fortinbras

Prince of Norway; wants to reclaim lands lost to Denmark.

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern

 Hamlet's childhood friends - guards (appear in Act 2).

Halmet plot

Hamlet vows to avenge his father and decides to act "crazy" to hide his

intentions.

plot so far

Polonius sends a spy to check on Laertes in France.

Polonius decides Hamlet is mad because of his "broken heart" over Ophelia. • Claudius and Gertrude bring in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to spy on Hamlet.

• Hamlet tells them he's upset but not insane.

• Players (actors) arrive, giving Hamlet the idea to test Claudius's guilt with a play.

Key Characterization Themes (Polonius)

• Controlling; spies on his children and Hamlet.

Believes Hamlet's behavior is caused by love for Ophelia.

Claudius

Tries to stabilize the kingdom; hides guilt.

Fears Hamlet's behavior may be dangerous.

Characterization Themes (ghost)

• Says he was murdered by Claudius.

• Wants Hamlet to get revenge but not harm Gertrude.

Gertrude married Claudius quickly after her husband's death.

• Unsure why Hamlet is acting strange.

Characterization Themes (Ophelia)

• Obeys her father fully.

• Gives up seeing Hamlet because Polonius demands it.

Laertes

• Wants to protect Ophelia.

Warns her about Hamlet not being able to marry freely.

Horatio

• Loyal, logical, and honest.

Hamlet trusts him more than anyone.

Fortinbras