Opens Hamlet's monologue in Act III, scene 1 of Shakespeare's Hamlet. Not strictly a soliloquy as Hamlet doesn't speak directly to Ophelia. Sometimes referred to as "the nunnery scene"
Ghost appears twice to watchers Marcellus and Bernardo. Ghost resembles dead king with silver beard and frowning expression. Ghost stops at cock's crowing, suggesting it's not speaking. Ghost's appearance confirms Denmark's war preparations
Ophelia is a Danish noblewoman, daughter of Polonius and sister of Laertes. Her name first appeared in Sannazaro's 1504 poem Arcadia as Ofelia. She is obedient to her father and well-loved by many characters
Hamlet is Prince of Denmark, nephew of current King Claudius. Claudius is King of Denmark, married to Queen Gertrude. Ghost appears as King Hamlet's image. Polonius is Claudius's counselor, father of Ophelia and Laertes. Ophelia is Polonius's daughter, in love with Hamlet
Polonius is Claudius's chief counsellor and father of Laertes and Ophelia. Hazlitt describes him as sincere but busy-bodied and impolite. Hamlet calls him a "tedious old fool" and compares him to Jephtha
Gertrude is Hamlet's mother and Queen of Denmark. Her name may derive from Gertrude of Bavaria, Queen of Denmark. She marries Claudius after King Hamlet's murder