Hamlet — Hamlet Character Profile

About Hamlet

Prince of Denmark who learns from his father's ghost that his uncle Claudius murdered him. He feigns madness to uncover the truth, accidentally kills Polonius, survives an assassination plot in England, returns to challenge Claudius, and dies after slaying Laertes and the king in a poisoned duel.

Hamlet — Character Profile

Character Facts

Played by

Ian McKellen

Appears in

Hamlet (1970)

Role

Protagonist

Relationships (5)

• Hamlet — Family Mother — Gertrude (Faith Brook)

  Gertrude is Hamlet's mother and the current queen.

• Hamlet — Family Uncle — Claudius (John Woodvine)

  Claudius is Hamlet's uncle and the new king.

• Hamlet — Conflict Killer — Polonius (James Cairncross)

  Hamlet accidentally murders Polonius.

• Hamlet — Conflict Rival — Laertes / First Player (Tim Pigott-Smith)

  Laertes seeks revenge against Hamlet through a rigged duel.

• Hamlet — Romantic Interest — Ophelia (Susan Fleetwood)

  Ophelia's tragic fate is intertwined with Hamlet's revenge quest.

Explore the full interactive character relationship map of Hamlet

More characters from Hamlet

• Gertrude (Faith Brook)
• Claudius (John Woodvine)
• Laertes / First Player (Tim Pigott-Smith)
• Ophelia (Susan Fleetwood)
• Polonius (James Cairncross)
• Horatio (Julian Curry)
• Guildenstern (Simon Prebble)
• Rosencrantz (Terence Wilton)