Hamlet

Summary of Hamlet

Hamlet is one of William Shakespeare's most tragic plays. Almost everyone dies and there is no silver lining. Hamlet is filled with death and revenge. However, the story within the play is quite interesting. Hamlet is trying to avenge his father by plotting a plan to kill King Claudius. Hamlet wants to murder King Claudius because King Claudius killed Hamlet's father. In the end, Hamlet gets revenge but at the expense of his life.

  • Fun Fact: Hamlet was inspired by Shakespeare's son Hamnet.

Characters

Hamlet

  • Hamlet is the Prince of Denmark and the son of the late King Hamlet.

Horatio

  • Horatio is a friend of Hamlet. Also, Hamlet trusts Horatio with his plan to murder King Claudius.

Queen Gertrude

  • Queen Gertrude is the widow of the late King Hamlet. She is also Hamlet's mother.

King Claudius

  • King Claudius is the brother of the late King Hamlet. Also, King Claudius is the new husband of Queen Gertrude.

Laertes

  • Laertes is the brother of Ophelia and son of Polonius.

Ophelia

  • Ophelia is the sister of Laertes and daughter of Polonius. Ophelia also spies on Hamlet for Polonius.

Polonius

  • Polonius is the Father of Laertes and Ophelia. Also, Polonius is the councilor to King Claudius

The Ghost

  • The ghost is the spirit of the late King Hamlet.