The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark Characters
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[edit] Hamlet Characters
[edit] Characterizations of the characters in Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
[edit] List of Characters
Claudius, King of Denmark
"incestuous adulterate beast" a wretch whose natural gifts were poor To those of mine!
Here is your husband; like a mildew'd ear, Blasting his wholesome brother. Have you eyes?
A murderer and a villain; A slave that is not twentieth part the tithe
Hamlet, Prince of Denmark; nephew of Claudius
Such as it is; and for mine own poor part, Look you, I'll go pray.
With all my love I do commend me to you: And what so poor a man as Hamlet is May do, to express his love and friending to you, God willing, shall not lack
Fortinbras, Prince of Norway
Horatio, friend of Hamlet
Horatio is distinguished by his intelligent and sensitive discourse. With Marcellus, he has returned from Wittenberg where he has been studying alongside Hamlet, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern. However, he is also a "yeoman," or soldierly type, and does yeoman service, namely by guarding the castle. He is a scholar and a soldier, if not a gentleman.This speechis a clear demonstration of his intellectual capacity.
Horatio is also protective of his friend and lord. Witness these lines.
Polonius, Lord Chamberlain
Lines supporting a liberal interpretation of his character:
Give him this money and these notes, Reynaldo. -
By heaven, it is as proper to our age To cast beyond ourselves in our opinions As it is common for the younger sort To lack discretion. Come, go we to the king:
Lines supporting a venal construction of his character:
Addicted so and so: and there put on him What forgeries you please; marry, none so rank As may dishonour him; take heed of that; But, sir, such wanton, wild and usual slips As are companions noted and most known To youth and liberty. - Polonius instructs Reynaldo to actually accuse his son of the vices he lists, including the pursuit of prostitutes.
Laertes, his son
Laertes is the personification of the devoted son and brother. His tender words of caution to his sister concerning her relationship with Prince Hamlet are the stuff of courtliness and filial kindness. Though he appears to respect, even fear the older males, Claudius and his father, when given good cause (namely the murder of his father), he is ready and able to rise assertively.
Voltemand, a courtier
Cornelius, a courtier
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet's boyhood chums and fellow students, now courtiers in the "pay" of Claudius.
The need we have to use you did provoke Our hasty sending...
That, being of so young days brought up with him, And sith so neighbour'd to his youth and havior,
There's letters seal'd: and my two schoolfellows, Whom I will trust as I will adders fang'd, They bear the mandate; they must sweep my way, And marshal me to knavery.
Osric, a courtier
A Gentleman
A Priest
Marcellus, an officer
Marcellus, like Horatio, is a scholar and a soldier. However, he fades from the central action at an early date in the play, and appears in a signifcant scene only at its outset. Then, he offers comments and suggestions in response to the appearance of the phantasm, King Hamlet's ghost. This line shows his echoing quality, resounding against or mimicking Horatio's oratory.
Bernardo, an officer
Francisco, a soldier
Reynaldo, servant to Polonius
A Captain
English Ambassadors
Players
Two Clowns, gravediggers
Gertrude, Queen of Denmark and mother of Hamlet
my most seeming-virtuous queen... - King Hamlet's ghost
Ophelia, daughter of Polonius
King Hamlet and his ghost
Hyperion's curls; the front of Jove himself; An eye like Mars, to threaten and command;
