What happens in Act 1, Scene 1 of Hamlet?

Two guards at Elsinore Castle see the Ghost of the recently deceased King Hamlet. Horatio decides to tell Prince Hamlet.

Looking for our Summary & Analysis of Act 1, Scene 1? Click here! (2-minute read)

Read 1-2 sentence summaries of all 20 scenes in the play. (3-minute read)

Are any important characters introduced in Act 1, Scene of Hamlet?

Hamlet’s friend, Horatio and the Ghost of Hamlet’s father, King Hamlet, and three watchmen guarding the royal castle at Elsinore are introduced in Scene 1. All the play’s characters are briefly described in our Character List. There are also in-depth character analyses for more important characters such as Horatio and the Ghost.

Read an in-depth Character Analysis of Horatio. (1-minute read)

Read an in-depth Character Analysis of the Ghost of Hamlet’s father. (1-minute read)

What is the significance of Elsinore in Hamlet?

Elsinore, on the coast of Denmark, is the location of the fortified royal castle where almost all the action of Hamlet takes place. This enclosed setting, which is inhabited by not just to the scheming royal court but by the Ghost of the recently deceased king as well, contributes greatly to the heavy atmosphere of the play.

Read more about Elsinore, Denmark, as the setting for the play. (2-minute read)

Read about two quotes from Act 1, Scene 1 about the play’s setting. (2-minute read)