Hamlet Act I

While standing guard outside Elsinore Castle in Denmark, Bernardo (a watchmen) and Marcellus (another watchmen) try to convince Horatio (a friend of prince Hamlet) of a ghost haunting the castle. The ghost is thought to be King Hamlet who has recently died. The 3 men suddenly see the ghost and watch it vanish. Horatio confirms the King Hamlet look alike and believes it is a warning of impending misfortune for Denmark-military. He thinks Fortinbras, Prince of Norway, is ready to attack. They want to tell the Prince hoping the ghost will talk to his son. The next morning, King Claudius (King Hamlet's brother) announces his marriage to his brother's widow. The rumor of Fortinbras appears to be true. Laertes decides to go back to France. Claudius bashes Hamlet for still mourning and urges him to stay home and not go back to schooling. Hamlet is upset and especially with his mother's marriage. Hamlet is then told of his father's ghost. Laertes warns his sister Ophelia of falling for Hamlet. Polonius wishes his son Laertes good bye and echos Laertes advise to Ophelia. Hamlet and the men see the ghost at night and the ghost beckons Hamlet to follow. Hamlet follows and the men watch over him. The ghost claims to be his father's spirit and tells Hamlet of his murder-Claudius poisoned him. His father tells him to seek revenge and be easy on his mother.