Hamlet General Information

1. The play scene is a turning point because this is when it begins to become clear to other characters that Hamlet knows something he's not letting on. This is also the part where we understand that Claudius did indeed murder Old Hamlet as he all but admits it. This is where many plans start coming together: Hamlet's plan to trap then kill Claudius and Claudius's plan forms as to what to do with Hamlet.

Exposition: We are introduced to many of the important characters including, but not limited to, Hamlet, the Ghost, Horatio, Marcellus, Francisco, Barnardo, Claudius, Polonius, Laertes, Ophelia, and Gertrude. We learn from Horatio some of the history of Denmark and the events leading up to the story. Upon entering the wedding scene we are informed that Claudius has married Gertrude and Hamlet is not happy about this at all. We are also introduced to the ghost and the idea that he will not speak to anyone except Hamlet.

Inciting Event: The ghost tells Hamlet that Claudius murdered Old Hamlet.

Rising Action: Hamlet fakes madness and has everybody wondering what's going on with him. He then stages the mousetrap play to see Claudius's reaction and try to trap him into admitting her murdered Old Hamlet. He also renounces all love for Ophelia, which probably causes her to break. We get a chance to see Hamlet's inner turmoil about everything that's going on with him: his mother's marriage, his father's ghost, his relationship with Ophelia, and what to do about Claudius. Hamlet gives up the chance to kill a praying Claudius even though it would be easy for him.