Horatio And Fortinbras And Characters In William Shakespeare's Hamlet

In the beginning of “Hamlet,” Horatio, Marcellus, and Bernardo are at their posts in watch of Fortinbras’ advancement. While at their posts a ghost appears, the three are bewildered by the appearance that is similar to King Hamlet. During this time, there is a celebration of the marriage between the new king, Claudius, who is King Hamlet’s brother and Gertrude deceased King Hamlet’s wife. He gives a speech on the death of his brother and wanting to send a messenger to speak with Fortinbras. This is meant to stop the advancement upon the kingdom. Hamlet says sarcastic remarks to himself, but Claudius can hear him. Claudius tells Hamlet that he should get over his father’s death and it is unmanly to weep. When Hamlet does speak to his mother,

Everyone in the wedding ball then leaves except Hamlet. Horatio, Marcellus, and Bernardo come to greet Hamlet and see how he is doing. Horatio tells Hamlet the story of how he and Marcellus were at their post and they saw a figure that looked like King Hamlet. Out of curiousity Hamlet says he will be at post that night and see if he is able to spot the ghost and speak to it. Later, Polonius’ son Laertes is telling his sister Ophelia that she should not get involved with Hamlet romantically. Laertes says she should not get involved with him is because he is of royal status and due to that he cannot think of decisions for himself.. Later that night, Horatio, Hamlet, and Marcellus are on their posts waiting to see the ghost again. The ghost appears and motions for Hamlet to follow and he does so. The ghost reveals to Hamlet that he is his father and that it was Claudius who murdered him. The ghost tells Hamlet that he has to take revenge upon Claudius. Hamlet claims he will get revenge for his father. Hamlet has Horatio and Marcellus swear that they will not reveal what happened

They reveal that Hamlet was kind to them and he was joyful of the appearances of the players. Claudius asks Gertrude to leave as well, so he can meet Polonius to spy on Hamlet. Ophelia finds Hamlet and questions him about his love for her. Hamlet, knowing that he is being watched by both Polonius and Claudius lies to Ophelia about his feeling towards her. He tells her that he never loved her and it was naive of her to believe him. Ophelia says to Hamlet that he is lying about his feelings. Prior to the play starting, Hamlet tells a player the purpose of plays and why it is important to make sure this play goes well. Horatio enters and Hamlet tells Horatio to keep an eye on Claudius to see how he reacts. During the play there is a part where Lucianus(a character inside Hamlet’s play) pours poison into the ear of the king. Claudius stands up and leaves the play after seeing this. Claudius requests Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to take Hamlet to England and make sure it is quick. It is because he now knows that Hamlet knows what happened. Polonius offers to Claudius that he will spy on the conversation between Hamlet and Gertrude. Polonius leaves and Claudius takes a moment by himself to pray and reflect on his actions. He knows what he has done is wrong and that he will be going to hell for it. Claudius has acquired power and the queen something that is most desired,therefore;