Hamlet

Fellow guard who relieves Francisco, discusses the ghost sightings, and coordinates with Horatio and Marcellus. Participates in the night watch, sees the ghost and describes its appearance.

Young Prince of Norway mentioned as the cause of Denmark’s military mobilization and watchfulness. Mentioned as the Norwegian prince mobilising against Denmark. Fortinbras seeks permission from the Danish king to march through Denmark and leads a campaign against Poland to claim a small, unprofitable piece of land.

The watchman on duty at the platform before Elsinore who is relieved by Bernardo and hears the approach of Horatio and Marcellus.

An apparition in the form of the dead king of Denmark that appears and vanishes without speaking, provoking fear and speculation among the guards. The apparition resembling King Hamlet is reported by the guards. The Ghost appears and beckons Hamlet, prompting a confrontation.

Scholar and friend of Hamlet who is summoned to the watch, offers rational analysis of the ghost, and proposes informing Hamlet. Relays the ghost sighting to Hamlet and promises to keep watch again. Horatio urges Hamlet not to follow the Ghost and warns of danger. Horatio agrees to watch the play and note Claudius's reaction. Horatio returns with Ophelia and reflects on multiple family deaths, expressing deep grief. Horatio receives sailors with a letter, reads it, and is instructed to deliver the letters to the king. Horatio asks about the terms of the duel and comments on the odds.

The former King of Denmark, whose death led to political tension; his likeness is seen in the ghost. His ghost is reported by the guards.

Companion guard who assists Bernardo, witnesses the ghost, and debates the political preparations of Denmark. Accompanies Bernardo and Horatio in the guard watch and reports the ghost’s movements. Marcellus also tries to prevent Hamlet from following the Ghost.

Accompanies Voltimand on the mission to Norway. Cornelius accompanies Voltimand as part of the Norwegian diplomatic mission.

Expresses deep melancholy, criticises his mother’s quick remarriage, and resolves to watch the battlements for the ghost. Hamlet is mentioned as making romantic overtures to Ophelia. Hamlet confronts the Ghost, refuses to be restrained, and vows to follow it. Delivers the famous “To be, or not to be” soliloquy, confronts Ophelia, rebukes her, and urges her to a nunnery while revealing his self‑perceived pride, revengefulness and ambition. Hamlet devises the play to expose Claudius and directs actors. Hamlet resolves to kill Claudius only when his soul is damned Hamlet refuses to reveal the dead body's location, delivers a metaphorical tirade, and is commanded to depart for England. Hamlet reflects on his inaction, the futility of the upcoming battle, and resolves to have either bloody thoughts or none. Hamlet is referenced in the sailors' letter. Hamlet agrees to a duel with Laertes, discusses the wager involving horses and swords, and expresses confidence in his ability to win.

Addresses the court about his marriage to Gertrude, the threat of Fortinbras, and urges Hamlet to stay in Denmark instead of returning to Wittenberg. King Claudius directs Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to spy on Hamlet and discusses Norway's ambassadors, planning to observe Hamlet's behavior. Plans to spy on Hamlet and Ophelia, expresses guilt over his deeds, and orders the watch on Hamlet’s encounter with Ophelia. Claudius questions the play's title and is called 'The Mouse‑trap' by Hamlet. Claudius plots to send Hamlet to England and confesses his fratricidal guilt Claudius orders Hamlet's exile to England and plots his death, directing Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to escort him. Claudius engages with Ophelia, orders guards, and negotiates with Laertes about revenge for Laertes' father's death, offering the kingdom if the cause is found. Horatio is told to deliver the letters to the king. Claudius reveals his motives for delaying action and plots to have Laertes kill Hamlet with a poisoned sword and drink. Claudius organizes the duel, sets the wagering terms, and arranges drinking to celebrate Hamlet's victory.

Requests permission to return to France after his father's death. Laertes warns Ophelia about Hamlet's fickle love and offers fatherly advice. Laertes demands revenge for his father's death, confronts Claudius, and negotiates a possible reward for uncovering the murderer. Laertes agrees to murder Hamlet with a poisoned sword and prepares poison. Laertes duels Hamlet, wounds him, is subsequently wounded by Hamlet, and dies from the encounter.

Reports Laertes' request for leave to France and grants it. Polonius enters and gives Laertes advice, then scolds Ophelia about Hamlet's intentions. Polonius instructs Reynaldo to spy on Laertes and later interprets Hamlet's behavior as love‑induced madness, ordering Ophelia to cease contact with Hamlet. Polonius reports political news from Norway and attributes Hamlet's madness to his love for Ophelia, planning a trap using Ophelia behind a tapestry. Schemes to watch Hamlet and Ophelia’s encounter, summons Ophelia, and comments on deceptive appearances. Polonius shares his acting past and confirms the King and Queen will hear the play. Polonius plans to eavesdrop on Hamlet behind the arras Polonius is queried about his whereabouts, answered metaphorically by Hamlet as being at supper.

Appears with Claudius, urges Hamlet not to return to Wittenberg, and comments on mourning and the nature of death. Queen Gertrude asks the envoys to visit Hamlet and expresses concern over his melancholy. Encourages Ophelia to be the cause of Hamlet’s madness and pledges obedience to Claudius’s plans. Gertrude invites Hamlet to sit with her during the performance. Gertrude interacts with Ophelia, allows her entry, comments on noises, and mediates between Laertes and Claudius. Gertrude describes Ophelia’s drowning in vivid detail. Gertrude drinks a poisoned cup during the duel celebration and dies.

Tasked with delivering a diplomatic message to Norway concerning Fortinbras. Voltimand reports Norway's financial support for Fortinbras and the diplomatic arrangements.

Ophelia appears as Laertes' sister, discussing Hamlet's advances and receiving counsel from Laertes and Polonius. Ophelia describes a frightening encounter with Hamlet, detailing his disheveled appearance and erratic behavior, and confirms she has rejected his advances as instructed. Engages in a tense exchange with Hamlet, receives his rebuke, laments his madness, and pleads for heavenly help. Ophelia exchanges flirtatious remarks with Hamlet. Ophelia sings a series of mournful songs about death, promises, and flowers, revealing her destabilized mental state and grief over several deaths. Ophelia is reported as drowned in a brook.

Reynaldo is given money and notes by Polonius and tasked with spying on Laertes, gathering indirect information and spreading rumors to assess his behavior.

Guildenstern is introduced as a courtier sent by the king and queen to speak with Hamlet. Echoes Rosencrantz’s observations of Hamlet’s madness and concurs with the plan to prod Hamlet. Guildenstern offers to help hasten the Players' arrival. Guildenstern is tasked to escort Hamlet to England Guildenstern appears with Hamlet and follows Rosencrantz's orders to bring Hamlet before Claudius. Guildenstern is referenced as traveling to England.

Rosencrantz is introduced as a courtier sent by the king and queen to speak with Hamlet. Reports Hamlet’s distracted state and agrees to give him “a further edge” to encourage his purpose. Rosencrantz offers to help hasten the Players' arrival. Rosencrantz is tasked to escort Hamlet to England Rosencrantz inquires about the dead body and is instructed to bring Hamlet to Claudius. Rosencrantz is referenced as traveling to England.

Lucianus is introduced as the king's nephew and poisons the king in the play within the play.

The Captain explains Fortinbras's forces, their target in Poland, and the insignificance of the land they aim to capture.

First Sailor delivers a letter for Horatio, describing his capture by pirates and noting that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are heading to England.

A servant informs Horatio of the sailors' arrival and exits.

Delivers letters from Hamlet to the king and queen.

A lord greets Hamlet on his return to Denmark.

Osric announces the duel wager, explains the terms involving horses, swords, and carriages, and acts as an intermediary.