HAMLET By William Shakespeare Dramatis Personae
THE SUBPLOTS OF HAMLET Subplot 1 Denmark vs. Norway Theme: justice Kingdoms of Norway and Denmark are at war. Denmark wins the battle, Norway must give lands to Denmark. Old Norway (the king) dies honourably in battle. New king of Norway is the brother. The heir is too young to be king (Fortinbras). Subpot 2 Hamlet vs. Claudius Theme: revenge Hamlet find out about dad s murder by uncle. He resolves to plan out the perfect revenge to out Claudius and kill him. Hamlet thinks and plans more than acts. Claudius becomes suspicious. Hamlet makes things very complicated because he has a moral dilemma. Subplot 3 Hamlet <3 Ophelia? Theme: Unrequited Love Hamlet cares for Ophelia in the beginning. He writes her love letters and goes to see her often. All before the death of his father, the marriage of his mother to his uncle. She loves him, but she is easily swayed by her brother and father. Ends in tragedy.
Families, Loyalties and Treason DENMARK NORWAY DEAD Queen Dead king Current king/ Uncle Old King Gertrude Old King Norway Prince Hamlet Prince Fortinbras Uncle Claudius Chamberlain Polonius Ophelia Laertes There are parallels in the structures of the kingdoms and families. This is necessary to create a foil. These family dynamics as well as how they are exploited, create a tremendous amount of conflict. In truth, it is those conflicts that progress each plot and drives the main plot to its height and eventually, to its end.
Hamlet The protagonist of the play. 17 years old Prince of Denmark Comes home for his dad s funeral and mom s wedding to his uncle. Grieving the loss of his father Feels betrayed by his mother and uncle (their marriage) Really confused and melancholy No one really sees his suffering Dismissed as being infantile Big ol mess.
Ghost/ Old King Hamlet Is murdered by his brother (Claudius) Comes back to Elsinore to try to speak to Hamlet Can t move on to heaven because of his unnatural and untimely death. Wants Hamlet to avenge him before it is too late. Selfish ghost; doesn t care to think of consequences on his son.
Gertrude Worst person ever!!!! One out of 2 female characters in the play. She is the femme fatale archetype. She uses her sexuality and beauty to get what she wants. Marries Claudius after 2 months. She makes Hamlet feel bad for grieving his father s death. She is the worst mother; only cares about her looks, her status and her stuff. Manipulated by Claudius Does not seem to know how to think for herself.
Claudius Manipulative and cunning: a usurper Murderer: kills Old King Hamlet (his brother) so he can be king. Marries his wife after taking the kingdom Makes Hamlet feel horrible for missing his dad. Manipulates everyone into thinking he is an honourable king. Tries to get Hamlet killed. Turns Hamlet s friends against him Seems to not feel remorse for killing his own brother.
Polonius A bag of hot air. Does not ever shut up ever. Probably the worst parent (other than Gertrude). Has too much to say, but nothing really of relevance. Gets himself killed in the most ironic way. Has some of the best lines in the entire play. They guy you love to hate!
Ophelia The maiden archetype. Is warned against falling for Hamlet. She is very beautiful, young and naive. She listens to all the male characters in her life who want to protect her (to her own detriment). She is an innocent She really loves Hamlet.
Laertes Protective older brother of Ophelia. Goes to France for school. Tries to help his family and protect his sister as much as he can. Falls prey to the manipulation of his father Blames Hamlet for the tragedy of his sister Falls prey to the manipulation of Claudius
Horatio Perhaps the most honourable character in the whole play. The bro-mance BFF of Hamlet. He is always at Hamlet s side. Trusted and most loyal friend of Hamlet. Sees all in the play. He is the sanity to Hamlet s madness.
Rosencrantz & Guildenstern School friends of Hamlet. Not very loyal to him. Loyal to Claudius. Are easily manipulated by money, status and power. Really good at pretending but not very good friends or people.