1. First, what are the components of setting so far in the play?
In Act I of the drama Hamlet, Shakespeare uses setting to create suspense and establish an ominous mood.
First, what are the components of setting so far in the play?
Dark
Bitterly cold
Outside the castle Elsinore(Denmark)
After midnight
New king in power(setting only because it sets up the idea of increased watch—reason for men to be on the platform in the bitterly cold pitch black night)
These should be the focus of your one-pager.

2. This is brainstorming.
List possible things to use; then put them in a logical order.
My examples are not in the order of an essay.

3. Make statements about setting.
The play begins outside the castle as the guards stand watch.
Denmark has increased the guard because there is a fear that Norway will attack while the changing of power has them in a possible weakened state.
The night is dark and bitterly cold.
The time is after midnight.

4. Choose those you want to use. Add commentary.
The extreme darkness puts the guards on edge; they cannot even see one another.
The tension over a possible attack sets the scene for one of tension.
The guards discuss the time; after midnight is a significant time because the possibility of supernatural occurrences increases after the witching hour.
The appearance of the ghost interjects the fear and apprehension to create a heightened sense of suspense.

5. Add textual support for those you want to use.
Bernardo's “Who's there?” answered by Francisco's 'Nay, answer me. Stand and unfold yourself” show the apprehension felt by the men on guard. Francisco also speaks of his relief to turn over his guard duty and go to bed. His eagerness to be away from the platform helps create suspense.
Horatio, Marcellus, and Bernardo discuss the ghost seen on the previous two nights. Even though Horation is skeptical, the fear is apparent as the discussion of the resemblance of the ghost to the former King Hamlet ensues.

6. More textual support
The men then discuss reasons for the ghost's visit; perhaps he is there to warn them of an imminent attack by Norway. Once again this suggestion heightens the suspense of things to come.
The atmosphere becomes threatening as Horatio references the streets of Rome before the assassination of Julius Caesar. He parallels portents of that past event to something that could happen in Denmark.

7. Scenes IV and V
Hamlet is also on the platform hoping to see the ghost of his father.
Hamlet's desire to follow the ghost adds suspense especially when the others are so eager to stop him.
The ominous atmosphere thickens as Horatio warns Hamlet that the ghost may be trying to tempt him to the “dreadful summit of the cliff “to bring him either to destruction or madness.

8. Continue—scene v
In the dark, cold night Hamlet learns of the villainous acts of his uncle. The added information reinforces the threatening atmosphere which began in Scene i. Real dangers surrounds young Hamlet as he learns his fate.

9. Decide suspense or mood. Discuss both. Remember mood is not tone.
Use your commentary and textual support to discuss either suspense or mood. Remember to support both since both are in your thesis statement. Do not “birdwalk” and discuss other elements. Leave those for a different thesis and paper. In this short paper, there is not room to write about everything. Stay focused on setting.

10. conclude
Suspense about the ghost's intent and the infectious atmosphere are fully engaged through the use of setting in the early scenes of the play.