Plot: Act 1
Plot: Act One
Scene 1
A ghost appears on the battlements
For two nights running, a ghost has been spotted by the guards at Elsinore Castle.
The ghost looks like the dead King
The guards and Hamlet's best friend Horatio decide to tell Hamlet that a ghost, the image of his dead father, is haunting the castle battlements.
Scene 2
The new King greets the court
Claudius announces his marriage to the old King's wife, Gertrude, and asks Prince Hamlet to remain at home rather than return to University.
Hamlet's anger
Hamlet is outraged by his mother's remarriage but his thoughts are disturbed by Horatio and the guards who come to tell him about the ghost.
Scene 3
Laertes returns to university
While Hamlet has to stay behind in Elsinore, Polonius' son Laertes is given permission to go back to university in France. His father gives him advice on how to behave.
Ophelia is warned off Hamlet
Polonius' daughter Ophelia has been spending time with Hamlet. Polonius tells her to not speak to him again.
Scene 4
The Ghost wants revenge
The ghost of Hamlet's father tells him that he was murdered by his brother Claudius while sleeping. He wants Hamlet to avenge his death. Hamlet decides to feign madness until he has completed his mission.
All images © 2009 Illuminations/Royal Shakespeare Company
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