Scene I. Elsinore. A platform before the castle.
Scene I opens on the night watch at Elsinore. Francisco is on guard when Bernardo arrives, questioning the hour. They exchange greetings; Bernardo reports the time as midnight and notes the bitter cold. Horatio and Marcellus join the watch, identifying themselves as friends of the realm. The guards discuss a recent eerie apparition that has appeared on two successive nights. Bernardo describes seeing a figure “like the king that’s dead.” Horatio and Marcellus urge the specter to speak; the ghost materializes, resembling the deceased King Hamlet. The men attempt to question it, but it remains silent and vanishes after the cock crows.
The survivors debate the meaning of the ghost. Horatio reflects on the ominous sign, recalling the ancient omen of Julius Caesar’s death, and Marcellus recounts that spirits are said to be powerless after the Christmas season. They agree that the apparition must be related to recent political tensions. Horatio recounts the recent history: the previous king (King Hamlet) had defeated Fortinbre (the Norwegian prince) in battle; as part of the settlement, a portion of the conquered lands was to revert to Fortinbre’s heirs. The young Fortinbre of Norway now raises forces to reclaim those territories, which explains the kingdom’s heightened military preparations—extra cannon, ships, and soldiers.
Recognizing the gravity of the ghost’s appearance, Horatio proposes that they inform Prince Hamlet, believing the spirit will speak to him. Marcellus agrees, and the watchmen resolve to break their vigil and, at first light, convey the news to Hamlet. The scene ends with the guards exiting, having decided to involve Hamlet in the supernatural mystery.