Hamlet

Grew Up… crown prince of Denmark. Hamlet was raised at the castle of Elsinore by his parents, Queen Gertrude and the late King Hamlet. Likely an only child, Hamlet is close friends with Horatio, who becomes the prince's trusted confidant after the King dies and Hamlet’s uncle takes the throne.

Living… in dark times, both internally and externally. With the King’s brother, Claudius, married to Gertrude and now on the throne, Hamlet's family structure has taken a bizarre turn. It's a change Hamlet resents, describing his uncle-turned-stepfather as “a little more than kin and less than kind.” Haunted by violent international affairs and a ghost claiming to be the dead King Hamlet, Elsinore is an ominous setting. Little wonder, then, that Hamlet is so depressed.

Profession… future king, until Claudius's marriage threw a wrench in that plan. With his uncle ruling Denmark, it’s unclear whether the crown will stay pass onto Hamlet. Now both fatherless and purposeless, Hamlet struggles to find meaning in the world and his place in it.

Interests… revenge for his father. To that effect, Hamlet employs the many skills he's acquired from his princely upbringing: his knowledge of the theater, skill as an actor, and skill with the sword.

Relationship Status… in love with Ophelia, a young noblewoman who returns his feelings. But complications quickly arise, with Ophelia’s father and brother dissuading her from taking the relationship seriously and Hamlet himself in no place to make sound romantic decisions.

Challenge… avenging his father, whom Hamlet learns was assassinated. Amidst his mother's placations, the pleas of his father's ghost, and his own confusion, Hamlet must decide what is the right thing to do. The choice Hamlet makes will affect his family, friends, country, and – perhaps most strongly of all – Hamlet himself.

Personality… melancholic and conflicted. After his father's death, young Hamlet sighs that he has "lost all my mirth [and] forgone all custom of exercises.” In his depression, however, Hamlet has become honest – and while his wild behavior causes others to think him mad, Hamlet has finally tired of the lies that pervade Elsinore.