Jul 19, 2008

Hamlet | Act I, Scene 1 Summary and Analysis

New Characters
Barnardo, Francisco, and Marcellus: sentinels

Horatio: Hamlet’s close friend and confidante

Ghost: of Hamlet’s father, the former King of Denmark

Summary
Just after the striking of twelve, Francisco is relieved of his watch by Barnardo and Marcellus, who have entreated Horatio to stand with them this night to witness the reappearance of the dead king’s apparition. The Ghost appears and disappears twice but does not speak to the four, who decide to tell Hamlet in the morning. They note that a Ghost often portends grave events, and believe the...