Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead: Context
Characters: Through the Lens of Hamlet
In Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, we'll get to see the madcap antics of Hamlet through the perspective of two side characters. Here's a quick reminder on the key players and their role in the original Halmet.
Rosencrantz/Guildenstern:
Childhood friends of Hamlet. No more. No less.
Player/Tragedians:
Perform the “play-within-a-play,” The Murder of Gonzago, which Hamlet embelishes to become The Mousetrap. The Mousetrap depicts the murder of Hamlet’s father at the hands of Claudius.
Hamlet:
Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, is tasked by his father’s ghost in avenging his death at the hands of his brother. Hamlet’s mental state is called into question throughout the play. However, Hamlet might be more sane than he is letting on. That is the question.
Claudius:
After disposing of the king (his brother) via poison, Hamlet’s uncle usurps the throne of Denmark and marries Hamlet’s mother to secure his position as king.
Gertrude:
Hamlet’s widowed mother who marries his uncle, Claudius, after the king’s death. Hamlet resents her for her marriage to Claudius.
Polonius:
Chief advisor to Claudius and father to Ophelia. Hamlet accidentally kills Polonius, which prompts Ophelia’s eventual suicide.
Ophelia:
Begins the story romantically involved with Hamlet. Hamlet’s actions throughout the play and the death of her father lead to her suicide by drowning.
Hamlet: The Original Plot
Hamlet Act I
The ghost of Hamlet’s father demands he avenge his death.
Hamlet Act II
Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, and the Tragedians all arrive in Elsinore.
Hamlet Act III
The Tragedians perform The Murder of Gonzago, and Hamlet accidentally kills Polonius.
Hamlet Act IV
Ophelia drowns herself in a river. Meanwhile, Hamlet, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern are sent to England. Also, pirates.
Hamlet Act V
Claudius tries to kill Hamlet, kills Gertrude. Hamlet kills Laertes and Claudius. Laertes kills Hamlet.
