Key Characters in Hamlet

• Hamlet – The conflicted Prince of Denmark
• Claudius – The usurping King of Denmark
• Gertrude – Hamlet’s mother and Queen
• Polonius – The meddling court adviser
• Ophelia – Polonius’s daughter, entangled in Hamlet’s fate
• Laertes – Ophelia’s brother, seeking revenge
• Horatio – Hamlet’s loyal friend and confidant
• Rosencrantz and Guildenstern – Courtiers manipulated by Claudius
• The Ghost – The spirit of King Hamlet, whose appearance sets the play in motion
• Fortinbras – The Prince of Norway, representing external political tension

Horatio is Hamlet’s steadfast friend who provides rational counsel and reassurance throughout the play. He stands as a stable contrast to Hamlet’s fluctuating emotional states. His loyalty is unwavering, making him a reliable witness to Hamlet’s struggles and a key observer who underscores the truth in a world rife with deception.