Hamlet

The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, often shortened to Hamlet (), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play. Set in Denmark, the play depicts Prince Hamlet and his attempts to exact revenge against his uncle, Claudius, who has murdered Hamlet's father in order to seize his throne and marry Hamlet's mother.

Hamlet is considered among the "most powerful and influential tragedies in the English language", with a story capable of "seemingly endless retelling and adaptation by others". It is widely considered one of the greatest plays of all time. Three different early versions of the play are extant: the First Quarto (Q1, 1603); the Second Quarto (Q2, 1604); and the First Folio (F1, 1623). Each version includes lines and passages missing from the others. Many works have been pointed to as possible sources for Shakespeare's play, from ancient Greek tragedies to Elizabethan dramas. ==Characters== Hamletson of the late king and nephew of the present king, Claudius ClaudiusKing of Denmark, Hamlet's uncle and brother to the former king GertrudeQueen of Denmark and Hamlet's mother Poloniuschief counsellor to the king OpheliaPolonius's daughter Horatiofriend of Hamlet LaertesPolonius's son Voltemand and Corneliuscourtiers Rosencrantz and Guildensterncourtiers, friends of Hamlet Osrica courtier Marcellusan officer Bernardoan officer (spelled Barnardo or Barnard in quarto versions) Franciscoa soldier ReynaldoPolonius's servant Ghostthe ghost of Hamlet's father, King Hamlet Fortinbrasprince of Norway Gravediggersa pair of sextons Player King, Player Queen, Lucianus, etc.players