Queen Gertrude

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.