Questions and Answers
Who is the title character and protagonist of 'Hamlet'?
Who is the antagonist of the play 'Hamlet'?
Claudius
Who is Hamlet's mother?
Gertrude
What is Polonius's role in the court?
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What university did Horatio study at with Hamlet?
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Who is Ophelia's father?
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What is Laertes's relationship to Ophelia?
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Who seeks to attack Denmark to avenge his father's honor?
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What does The Ghost of Hamlet's father claim?
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Who are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
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Who is the foolish courtier that summons Hamlet to his duel with Laertes?
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Who does Claudius send to Norway?
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Who are Marcellus and Bernardo?
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Who is Francisco?
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What is Reynaldo's role?
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Study Notes
Main Characters in Hamlet
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Hamlet: Prince of Denmark, approximately thirty years old. Son of Queen Gertrude and the late King Hamlet, nephew to King Claudius. The central figure of the play, wrestling with themes of revenge and morality.
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Claudius: The antagonist of the play, he is Hamlet's uncle and the current King of Denmark. His marriage to Gertrude shortly after the late king's death creates tension and conflict.
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Gertrude: Hamlet's mother and Queen of Denmark. She marries Claudius soon after her husband's death, raising questions of loyalty and grief in Hamlet's mind.
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Polonius: The pompous Lord Chamberlain of Claudius' court and father to Laertes and Ophelia. His manipulative and scheming nature contributes to the unfolding drama.
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Horatio: Hamlet's loyal friend from Wittenberg. He provides steadfast support to Hamlet throughout the play and survives to tell Hamlet's story after his death.
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Ophelia: Beautiful daughter of Polonius and love interest of Hamlet. Characterized by her innocence and obedience, her tragic fate is a crucial element of the plot.
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Laertes: Son of Polonius and brother of Ophelia. He contrasts Hamlet's introspection with his impulsive nature and is involved in the play's climactic duel.
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Fortinbras: Young prince of Norway, seeking to reclaim land lost by his father to Hamlet's father. His desire for revenge parallels Hamlet’s quest, highlighting different approaches to action.
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The Ghost: The spirit of Hamlet’s father, who reveals the truth about his murder by Claudius. This revelation sets Hamlet on a path of vengeance.
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Rosencrantz and Guildenstern: Former friends of Hamlet who are summoned to discover the reasons behind his erratic behavior. They represent betrayal and manipulation within the court.
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Osric: A foolish courtier who invites Hamlet to the duel against Laertes, showcasing the superficiality in courtly dealings.
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Voltimand and Cornelius: Courtiers sent by Claudius to negotiate with the King of Norway, attempting to thwart Fortinbras' plans to invade Denmark.
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Marcellus and Bernardo: Officers who first encounter the Ghost of King Hamlet on the ramparts. Their actions foreshadow the supernatural elements in the play.
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Francisco: A guard at Elsinore, representing the tense atmosphere of the Danish court and the watchful nature surrounding Hamlet's royal story.
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Reynaldo: Polonius's servant who spies on Laertes in France, illustrating Polonius's controlling nature and involvement in the lives of his children.
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Description
Explore key characters from Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' with these flashcards. Learn about Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, and more essential figures in this classic tragedy. Perfect for students and enthusiasts alike who want to deepen their understanding of the play's narrative and themes.
