Hamlet--Act I, Sc. 1 Bernardo and Marcellus see a ghost. They are spooked and are unsure what to do. They suggest that Horatio speak to it b/c he is a scholar. They conclude it is the ghost of the late King Hamlet.

Hamlet--Act 1, Sc 2 King Claudius, the new king of DK, articulates the sorrow that he and everyone feels for the dead King Hamlet. He then deals with matters of state and sends representatives to Norway to avert an invasion by Fortinbras.

Hamlet--Act 1, Sc 2 Claudius then allows Laertes to Paris. Claudius then talks with Hamlet in faux concerned manner. He recognizes that “clouds hang on” Hamlet. Hamlet denies this and says that he is “too much in the sun” The queen also urges Hamlet to “cast thy nighted color off” and cheer up.

Hamlet--Act 1, Sc 2 She tells him that “all that lives must die / passing through nature to eternity.” 74-5. In lines 90-121, the king feigns concern. He calls Hamlet’s grief “commendable” but also “unmanly.” He then denies Hamlet’s request to return to university. Hamlet says he will obey that request.

Hamlet--Act 1, Sc 2 Lines 133-164—Hamlet’s first soliloquy. Act of talking while or as if alone (often used as a device in drama to disclose a character's innermost thoughts. For the first time we hear Hamlet’s thoughts, notably his indecision. He would like to kill himself if not that God forbids such an act. He is also angry at his mother’s marriage to Claudius, saying “frailty, thy name is woman.” 150

Hamlet--Act 1, Sc 2 Horatio, B + M return and tell Hamlet that they have seen the ghost of King Hamlet. They make plans to meet with the ghost and speak with it. Notice syntax in line 227

Hamlet--Act 1, Sc 3 We meet Polonius. He is characterized as a wise and caring father. Laertes is characterized as a protective brother. He advises Ophelia not to be beguiled by Hamlet’s charms, as he doesn't trust his sincerity—Lines 13-48

Act I, Sc 3 Polonius—Lines 60-87 Here Polonius offers thoughtful advice to his son before he departs for Paris Lines 95-145—Here Polonius offers equally great advice to his daughter Ophelia

Hamlet--Act 1, Sc 4 Hamlet and Horatio plan to meet the ghost. Notice poetic language in lines 51-62. Metaphor and personification. Shakespeare builds tension in lines 89-96 when the ghost beckons Hamlet

Hamlet--Act 1, Sc 5 The ghost reveals he is Hamlet’s father In lines 14-26, the ghost reveals he must suffer indescribable horrors until he has purged his soul of the evils he committed during his “days of nature.”

Hamlet--Act 1, Sc 5 He tells Hamlet that if he were to describe the horrors, Hamlet’s “hair to stand an end.” Knowing this will exacerbate Hamlet’s indecision on how to effectively avenge his father.

Hamlet--Act 1, Sc 5 Lines 49-98 The ghost discloses that his brother Claudius murdered him by pouring poison in his ear.

Hamlet--Act 1, Sc 5 In lines 81-86, the ghost laments that he was murdered with sin on his soul, killed without the opportunity to amend his misdeeds. Again, this concern will play a role in Hamlet’s decision on how to kill Claudius.