Though multiple symbols can be associated with each character, I'll provide a sample for each.

Hamlet keeps the skull of Yorick, a dead court jester. On one occasion, Hamlet speaks to the skull as if it is alive, musing about his dead friend. The skull can be interpreted as a symbol of Hamlet's preoccupation with death. After learning from the ghost that his father was murdered by Claudius, Hamlet becomes obsessed with solving King Hamlet's murder. Hamlet frequently laments over the death of his father and repeatedly contemplates suicide, as referenced in monologues.

Hamlet describes Claudius and those loyal to him as a destructive weed invading the garden of Denmark. In this metaphor, the weed represents corruption under Claudius's rule, which threatens the stability and moral fiber of Denmark maintained under King Hamlet's rule. The weed metaphor can also be associated with Polonius, who proves himself loyal to Claudius by agreeing to spy on Hamlet.

Queen Gertrude is a symbol of weakness in the play. Hamlet's most famous line in reference to his mother, and women in general, is “frailty, thy name is woman!” After Claudius murders King Hamlet and takes Gertrude as his wife, she fails to think critically about the situation; had she more strength of character, she would likely share Hamlet's suspicions. Gertrude seemingly agrees to marry Claudius out of self-preservation, using him as a source of protection, such as when she rushes to him after her confrontation with Hamlet.

The ghost of King Hamlet functions as a symbol of death and regicide. In an early scene, the ghost tells Hamlet that Claudius killed him, the former king. The ghost's revelation drives the central plot, which revolves around Hamlet seeking revenge on Claudius by proving his role in King Hamlet's murder.

Multiple types of flowers are symbols associated with Ophelia throughout the play. For instance, she gives pansies to her brother, Laertes. In French, pansy is translated as pensées, meaning "thoughts." This flower, then, represents her love and devotion to him as a sibling.