Character Map and “Duality” Guide Hamlet Character Map and “Duality” Guide

Hamlet. son of Gertrude and King Hamlet Hamlet *son of Gertrude and King Hamlet *nephew to Claudius (and now step son?) *rightful heir to the throne, on which Claudius now sits, for which King Hamlet’s ghost has tasked Hamlet to seek revenge Melodramatic Petulant teenager Indecisive Deeply saddened by the loss of his father Plagued by self-doubt and uncertainty of uncle’s guilt and mother’s role

Claudius. Hamlet’s uncle (now stepfather) Claudius *Hamlet’s uncle (now stepfather) *King Hamlet’s brother (and alleged murderer) *now married to Gertrude (his former sister-in-law) Classic villain Greedy (wanted the throne, the riches, and the queen) Jealousy drove him to murder his own brother No redeeming qualities Was fearful for his kingdom— which drove him to murder the king and take the throne Found love unexpectedly Deeply, truly repentant for the murder of his brother Wants to be a good king

Gertrude. Hamlet’s mother (now aunt. ). remarried quickly to Claudius Gertrude *Hamlet’s mother (now aunt?) *remarried quickly to Claudius *unaware of the suspicious circumstances surrounding her first husband’s death Found an unexpected 2nd chance at love through the grief and pain Genuinely loved King Hamlet and now loves Claudius Wants Hamlet to be happy— both in himself and for her Vapid (that’s a classier way of saying empty-headed) Spends her days mostly drunk Doesn’t look too deeply into problems

Ophelia *Hamlet’s girlfriend (though not of royal birth, which could be a problem for the future of their relationship) *daughter to Claudius’s closest advisor, Polonius Hamlet’s soul mate—she understands him and truly cares for him Quiet strength when Hamlet needs it most Next to Horatio, Hamlet’s most loyal friend Simpleton Innocent Daddy’s girl

Laertes. brother to Ophelia; son to Polonius (Claudius’s advisor) Laertes *brother to Ophelia; son to Polonius (Claudius’s advisor) *leaves for school near the beginning of the play Self-impressed Easily manipulated by both Polonius and Claudius Not much more than just a way to move the plot forward Genuinely intelligent Caring brother, son, subject, guy Struggling with not avenging his father’s death soon enough to save his sister