Hamlet is the son of Gertrude and Old Hamlet. His father has just died and his uncle has become king.

Ophelia is Polonius’ daughter and Laertes’ sister. She has been in a relationship with Hamlet.

Claudius is the newly crowned King of Denmark and husband to Gertrude. He is Hamlet’s uncle.

Gertrude is Hamlet’s mother and the queen. She married Claudius shortly after her husband died.

Old Hamlet is the previous King of Denmark and Hamlet’s father. He has recently died but visits Hamlet as a ghost during the play.

Polonius is a counsellor to the new king and queen. He is Ophelia and Laertes’ father.

Laertes is the only son of Polonius and brother of Ophelia. He leaves Denmark to study in Paris.

Horatio is an old and trusted friend of Hamlet’s. They met as students in Wittenberg.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are childhood friends of Hamlet. Claudius employs them to spy on Hamlet.

Fortinbras is the Prince of Norway. He wishes to avenge his father’s death by invading Denmark.