1. Hamlet An Introduction

2. Hamlet Prince of Denmark Was away at college, came home Dad (King Hamlet) is dead Depressed about dad’s death Uncle Claudius is now king Mom, Gertrude, remarried to Claudius Mad at mom and uncle Eye on Ophelia

3. Ophelia Crush on Hamlet Noble family Daughter of Polonius, the king’s advisor Sister of Laertes Considered potential match for Prince Hamlet by society

4. Polonius King’s advisor Dad of Ophelia and Laertes Always giving “advice” … usually wrong An old, meddling gossiper Wants Ophelia and Hamlet to get married

5. Gertrude Hamlet’s mom Widow of dead King Hamlet Remarried to Claudius, her brother-in-law and current king Worried about Hamlet’s depression Doesn’t seem very sad about husband’s death

6. Claudius Brother to former king (who is now dead) Has taken over the thrown Married Gertrude, his widowed sister-in-law Now Hamlet’s step-dad Doesn’t seem very sad about his brother’s death

7. Horatio Hamlet’s best friend Goes to college with Hamlet

8. Laertes Brother to Ophelia Son of Polonius Not sure he wants his sister dating Hamlet

9. Dead king Hamlet Haunts castle grounds Was a really good husband and father while alive Trying to send a message to son

10. Tragedy Tragic hero (Hamlet) has an inner flaw (hamartia) This inner flaw leads to his downfall (and the downfall of others) Events of story cause audience to have a vicarious emotional cleansing (catharsis) Catharsis occurs after the audience witnesses a spectacle (a monstrous event)

11. Setting Royal palace in Elsinore, Denmark 14 th or 15 th Century

12. Themes to look for Revenge is a dangerous task. Indecisiveness is as destructive as making the wrong decision. Lies beget more lies.

13. Justice Who is responsible for ensuring justice? Is finding justice always worth it? To what degree are we responsible for our impact on others? Who is the ultimate measurer of injustice?