Hamlet Characters Flashcards

Study Notes

Hamlet

Prince of Denmark, son of Queen Gertrude and the late King Hamlet.
Nephew of King Claudius, characterized by melancholy and cynicism.
Exhibits disdain for his uncle's manipulations and his mother's new marriage.

Claudius

King of Denmark and Hamlet's uncle, acts as the play's antagonist.
Ambitious and calculating, he marries Gertrude after King Hamlet’s death.
His thirst for power drives much of the play's conflict.

Gertrude

Queen of Denmark and Hamlet's mother, recently remarried to Claudius.
Formerly the widow of King Hamlet, her actions stir Hamlet's resentment.

Polonius

Father to Laertes and Ophelia, a looming presence in their lives.
Killed accidentally by Hamlet, who confuses him for Claudius while hiding.

Horatio

Loyal friend to Hamlet and fellow university student, embodies loyalty.
Remains to narrate Hamlet’s story after the prince's demise.

Ophelia

Polonius's innocent daughter, loved by Hamlet.
Bound by family loyalty, she succumbs to madness after her father's death, resulting in her drowning.

Laertes

Polonius's son and Ophelia's brother, known for his impulsive nature.
Spends time in France and serves as a foil to Hamlet, engaging in a final duel that leads to his own death.

Fortinbras

Young Prince of Norway, seeking to avenge his father's death at Hamlet's hands.
Represents action, contrasting with Hamlet's introspective deliberation.

The Ghost

The spirit of Hamlet's father, claims to have been murdered by Claudius.
Commands Hamlet to seek vengeance, raising questions about its true nature and intentions.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern

Former friends of Hamlet, now courtiers called by Claudius and Gertrude.
Tasked with uncovering the reasons behind Hamlet's erratic behavior.

Marcellus and Bernardo

Guards who first encounter the ghost of King Hamlet.
Marcellus witnesses Hamlet’s initial meeting with the ghost, setting significant plot events in motion.

Description

Explore key characters from Shakespeare's play 'Hamlet' with this informative flashcard quiz. Each card provides definitions and insights into the main figures like Hamlet and Claudius, enhancing your understanding of the story's dynamics.