HAMLET ROLEPLAY:

Narrator (center stage):

"The chill of midnight settles over the castle of Elsinore. Denmark, restless after the sudden death of its
king, shivers not from the cold, but from whispers of the unnatural. The guards on duty speak of a
ghostly figure—a shadow of the past that looms large over the present. But is this phantom a warning?
Or a harbinger of doom?"

Scene 1: The Ghost Appears

(The scene opens on the battlements of Elsinore. It is a dark and chilly night. MARCELLUS and
BERNARDO, two guards, stand watch, shivering from the cold.)

MARCELLUS:

Who goes there? Speak, or thou shalt regret staying silent!

BERNARDO:

'Tis I, Bernardo. Now, declare thyself! Who art thou?

(Both guards relax as they recognize each other. Suddenly, the GHOST of King Hamlet appears, shrouded
in mist and glowing faintly. Its expression is sorrowful yet commanding.)

MARCELLUS:

What in the name of all that’s holy is this? A spirit?

GHOST:
I am thy father's spirit.

Doomed to wander the night, to suffer 'til my sins are purged.

(MARCELLUS and BERNARDO tremble with fear but summon their courage to speak.)

MARCELLUS:

Why dost thou haunt us, noble ghost?

GHOST:

I seek justice. My own brother, Claudius, did poison me in secret—

A coward’s deed! He stole my crown,

And, worse, he married thine mother with indecent haste.

(The GHOST pauses, its sorrow giving way to fury.)

GHOST:

Tell my son Hamlet to avenge me. Justice must be served!

(The GHOST begins to fade, leaving the guards shaken and full of dread.)

BERNARDO:

What evil plagues this land? Surely, we must tell the prince!

MARCELLUS:

Yes. He must hear this. Only Hamlet can confront such treachery.
(They exit quickly, glancing nervously at the shadows around them.)

---

Notes for Performance

Keep the ghost’s tone eerie, with pauses for dramatic effect.

Marcellus and Bernardo should show fear but resolve, as if they sense the ghost’s importance."

Scene 2: Hamlet Meets the Ghost

Narrator:

"On the battlements, under the cover of night, Hamlet confronts the ghostly figure said to be his father.
Will the prince uncover the truth—or be drawn into madness?"

[Setting: The battlements. HAMLET stands with MARCELLUS, BERNARDO, and HORATIO. The GHOST
appears, glowing faintly in the dark.]

Marcellus:

"There it is, my lord—the ghost!"

Hamlet (stepping forward):

"Spirit, speak! What art thou? Why dost thou haunt us?"
Ghost:

"I am thy father’s spirit. Murdered by thy uncle Claudius, who poured poison in mine ear and stole my
throne and queen."

Hamlet (shocked):

"Claudius? This cannot be!"

Ghost:

"Swear to avenge me, my son. Let not this treachery stand. But harm not thy mother—leave her to
heaven."

Hamlet (kneeling):

"I swear it! Thy revenge shall be mine."

Ghost:

"Remember me. Farewell..."

[The GHOST fades. HAMLET rises, his face filled with resolve.]

Horatio:

"My lord, what shall we do?"

Hamlet:

"We feign madness, dear friends. This secret must stay with us. Denmark shall know justice!"
Marcellus (nervously):

"Something is rotten in the state of Denmark."

Hamlet (darkly):

"And I shall make it right."

[They exit, the stage fading to black.]

Scene 3: The Court and Claudius’s Reprimand

Narrator:

"In the grand hall of Elsinore, King Claudius revels in his newfound power. But young Hamlet’s mourning
weighs heavily on the court. Will the prince conceal his true feelings, or will his grief betray him?"

[Setting: The throne room. CLAUDIUS sits on the throne, GERTRUDE beside him. Courtiers stand nearby,
including POLONIUS. HAMLET appears, clad in black, his face somber.]

Claudius (cheerfully):

"Though we mourn my dear brother’s passing, let us not dwell in sorrow. Life moves on! Hamlet, my
nephew and son, why dost thou still bear this grief?"

Hamlet (calmly):

"I know not, my lord. It is not what I wear, but what I feel—grief deeper than words."

Gertrude:

"Dear Hamlet, cast off thy mourning. Thy father would not want thee in such despair."
Hamlet (aside, bitterly):

"My father? Would he have wanted his queen to marry with such haste?"

Claudius (sternly):

"This unmanly sorrow shames thee. All must face death. Think no more on it."

Hamlet (bowing slightly):

"As you wish, my lord."

[HAMLET moves aside, the court proceeding. Courtiers murmur briefly before dispersing. Once alone,
HAMLET stands in the shadows, anger rising.]

Hamlet (to himself):

"Oh, that this too, too solid flesh would melt! Frailty, thy name is woman! My mother—how could she
marry so soon? And Claudius! A beast unfit to wear my father’s crown. What vile world is this? But I
must hold my tongue... for now."

[The stage dims as HAMLET exits, his figure a shadow of grief and fury.]

Scene 4: Ophelia’s Reprimand

Narrator:

"In a quiet chamber, Polonius and Laertes seek to protect Ophelia, warning her of the dangers of
Hamlet's love. But is it caution or control that drives their words?"

[Setting: A modest room in Polonius’s household. OPHELIA sits by the window, reading a letter. Enter
LAERTES and POLONIUS.]
Laertes:

"Sister, what foolishness is this? A letter from Hamlet? Do not trust his sweet words, for they are like
fleeting winds—here today, gone tomorrow."

Ophelia (calmly):

"But, brother, his words are kind and full of devotion."

Laertes (sternly):

"His devotion is bound by duty, not love. He is a prince, Ophelia, and cannot marry where his heart
chooses. Beware, lest thou fall into ruin."

Polonius (nodding, stepping forward):

"Thy brother speaks wisely, child. Do not mistake affection for intent. Hamlet’s station demands much of
him, and thou art but a flower to be plucked and cast aside."

Ophelia (hesitant):

"I shall obey, father. But... his gaze, his words—they seem so true."

Polonius (firmly):

"Seeming, aye. But seeming is oft a mask. Promise me, Ophelia, thou shalt avoid him."

Ophelia (lowering her head):

"I promise."

[LAERTES places a hand on OPHELIA’s shoulder.]

Laertes (gently):

"Sister, this is for thy good. Trust not Hamlet’s words, nor his fleeting passions."

Ophelia (quietly, to herself):

"Yet why does my heart ache so?"

[As OPHELIA looks longingly at the letter, POLONIUS and LAERTES exchange a concerned glance. The
lights dim, leaving OPHELIA in quiet turmoil.]

Scene 5: The Play Within the Play ("The Mousetrap")

Narrator:

"In the grand hall of Elsinore, Hamlet sets his trap. A group of actors performs a tale that mirrors the
murder of King Hamlet. With all eyes on the stage, will Claudius’s conscience betray him?"

[Setting: The royal court. CLAUDIUS, GERTRUDE, POLONIUS, OPHELIA, and courtiers sit on chairs.
HAMLET stands near the performers, watching intensely. The PLAYERS prepare on a simple stage with a
backdrop representing a garden.]

---

Hamlet (to the audience in the court):

"Lords and ladies, tonight's entertainment is no mere jest. ‘Tis a play called The Murder of Gonzago.
Watch well and enjoy."

Claudius (smirking):
"We are eager to be amused, Hamlet."

Hamlet (aside, to Horatio):

"Mark him well, dear friend. His face may reveal what his words will not."

[The PLAYERS begin their performance. On the stage-within-the-stage, the PLAYER KING lies on a garden
bench, sleeping.]

---

Player Queen (to the Player King):

"My love, why dost thou slumber so soundly? If harm befell thee, my heart would surely break."

Player King:

"Fear not, my queen. My love for thee outlives any mortal peril. Rest easy, for we are safe this night."

[The PLAYER QUEEN exits. The VILLAIN enters, sneaking into the garden, holding a small vial.]

Villain (to himself):

"The crown beckons, yet the king still breathes. This poison shall quiet his reign, and with it, my path to
power opens wide."

[The VILLAIN pours poison into the sleeping PLAYER KING’s ear. The PLAYER KING twitches, then falls
still. The VILLAIN puts on the crown and exits as the PLAYER QUEEN returns.]

Player Queen:
"My love? My king? What cruel fate has stolen thee from me? O treachery, thy name is ambition!"

---

[The court watches closely. CLAUDIUS begins to shift uncomfortably.]

Gertrude (to Claudius):

"What troubles you, my lord? ‘Tis but a play."

Claudius (forcing a smile):

"Indeed, my queen. Yet the tale is a harsh one."

Hamlet (to Ophelia):

"Dost thou see, fair Ophelia? The villain doth prosper, yet his guilt doth seep through his pores."

Ophelia (whispering nervously):

"My lord, you read too much into shadows."

Horatio (leaning toward Hamlet):

"He stirs, my prince. Methinks the trap is sprung."

---
[The PLAYERS continue. The PLAYER QUEEN mourns as the VILLAIN takes her hand, offering her the
crown.]

Player Villain:

"Weep not, fair queen. Let me soothe thy grief. Together, we shall rule this land."

Player Queen (hesitating):

"O villain, thy words ensnare my heart. Yet, can love bloom upon treachery's grave?"

[CLAUDIUS suddenly rises, his face pale with anger.]

Claudius (shouting):

"Enough! Stop this folly at once! Light! I demand light!"

[CLAUDIUS storms out, GERTRUDE and POLONIUS following behind. The court murmurs in confusion.
The PLAYERS stop mid-scene.]

---

Horatio (to Hamlet):

"Didst thou see, my lord? His face spoke louder than words."

Hamlet (smiling):

"Aye, Horatio. The mouse is caught. Now I know my course is true."

[The scene fades as HAMLET and HORATIO watch the retreating figure of CLAUDIUS.]

Scene 6: Polonius’s Death

Narrator:

"Deep within the chambers of Elsinore, Hamlet confronts his mother, Gertrude, about her swift
marriage to Claudius. Unbeknownst to them, Polonius hides behind a tapestry, eavesdropping—a
decision that proves fatal."

[Setting: GERTRUDE’s chamber. A small table, a few chairs, and a large tapestry. GERTRUDE sits
nervously as HAMLET storms in, his anger barely restrained. POLONIUS hides behind the tapestry, barely
visible to the audience.]

---

Gertrude:

"Hamlet, thou hast thy father much offended."

Hamlet (furious):

"Nay, mother, thou hast my father much offended. You married with indecent haste—your love so
shallow, your grief so fleeting."

Gertrude (pleading):

"Speak no more, Hamlet! Thy words pierce my heart like daggers."

Hamlet (pointing accusingly):

"A heart that could so soon forget my noble father! What devilish charm doth Claudius hold over thee?"

[POLONIUS stirs behind the tapestry, knocking something over.]

---

Polonius (muffled, from behind the tapestry):

"Help! The queen is in danger!"

Hamlet (drawing his dagger):

"What’s this? A rat hiding in the shadows?"

[Without hesitation, HAMLET stabs through the tapestry. POLONIUS cries out and falls to the ground,
partially visible now.]

Polonius (gasping):

"O, I am slain!"

Gertrude (screaming):

"What hast thou done? Madness drives thee, my son!"

Hamlet (pulling the tapestry aside, revealing POLONIUS’s body):

"Nay, mother, I knew not it was he. But mark my words—this meddling fool paid the price for his loyalty
to a villain."
---

Gertrude (sobbing):

"Thou speakest of thy king, Hamlet. ‘Tis treason!"

Hamlet (bitterly):

"King? Claudius is no king. He is a serpent who murdered my father and stole his throne. Do not defend
him, mother. You must repent!"

[The GHOST of King Hamlet appears, visible only to HAMLET. It gestures toward GERTRUDE, its
expression grave.]

Ghost:

"Hamlet, my son, temper thy fury. Speak to her gently. Her soul is burdened already."

Hamlet (to the Ghost):

"Father, I swear I will avenge thee, but her sins cry out for repentance."

Gertrude (terrified):

"To whom dost thou speak? There is no one here!"

Hamlet (softening):

"A vision, mother. My father’s spirit bids me stay my wrath. But hear me now—do not let Claudius
tempt thee to his bed again. Promise me this, or bear his guilt as thine own."
---

Gertrude (despairing):

"I… I promise. Hamlet, thou hast shaken me to my core."

Hamlet (turning to POLONIUS’s body):

"Now to dispose of this meddler. What a tangled web thou hast left, Polonius."

[HAMLET drags POLONIUS’s body out of the chamber as GERTRUDE collapses into a chair,
overwhelmed.]

---

Narrator:

"With Polonius dead, the fragile balance in Elsinore crumbles further. Will Hamlet’s fury lead to justice—
or to ruin?"

[The scene fades as GERTRUDE sits in silence, haunted by HAMLET’s words.]

Scene 7: Ophelia’s Madness

Narrator:

"News of Polonius’s death shakes Elsinore to its core. Grief-stricken and abandoned, Ophelia descends
into madness, while Laertes returns, burning with rage. Amid this chaos, Claudius manipulates events to
protect his crown."
[Setting: The royal court. CLAUDIUS sits on his throne, GERTRUDE beside him. Courtiers linger uneasily.
LAERTES bursts in, furious, followed shortly by a disheveled OPHELIA.]

---

Laertes (storming in):

"Where is the king? I demand justice! My father lies dead, and yet his murderer walks free!"

Claudius (calm but wary):

"Peace, Laertes. Thy rage is justified, but aim it not at me. We mourn Polonius’s loss together."

Gertrude (soothingly):

"Laertes, your grief is shared by us all. Let us work to uncover the truth."

[OPHELIA enters, carrying flowers. Her hair is wild, her gaze distant. She begins singing softly, ignoring
everyone.]

Ophelia (singing):

"He is dead and gone, lady,

He is dead and gone;

At his head a green grass turf,

At his heels a stone."

[She hands flowers to each person, speaking nonsensically.]

Ophelia (to CLAUDIUS):

"Here’s rosemary, for remembrance. Pray, love, remember."

Ophelia (to GERTRUDE):

"And pansies, for thoughts. But thoughts lead to sorrows, don’t they?"

[She drops the remaining flowers, her tone becoming more erratic.]

Ophelia:

"They say the owl was a baker’s daughter. Lord, we know what we are, but know not what we may be!"

[LAERTES approaches her, his anger softening into anguish.]

Laertes:

"My dear sister, what madness grips thee? Speak to me!"

Ophelia (gazing at him as if from far away):

"They crowned my father with earth, but no crown fits my head. Shall I drown, Laertes? The water sings
to me."

[She suddenly laughs, then exits, humming her song. The room falls silent.]

---

Laertes (to CLAUDIUS):

"What hath driven her to this? My father slain, my sister unhinged. This chaos reeks of guilt!"

Claudius (stepping forward):

"Blame not the crown, Laertes. Polonius’s death weighs on Hamlet, who now roams freely. Let us unite
to seek vengeance for both our sorrows."

Laertes (gritting his teeth):

"If Hamlet is to blame, then blood must answer for blood!"

Claudius (smiling subtly):

"Indeed. Together, we shall ensure justice prevails."

---

Narrator:

"Ophelia’s madness mirrors the unraveling of the kingdom. As Laertes and Claudius conspire, tragedy
draws ever closer."

[The scene fades as CLAUDIUS whispers to LAERTES, their plotting thick with malice.]

Scene 8: Ophelia’s Funeral

Narrator:

"Amid the tragedy of Elsinore, Ophelia is laid to rest. Tension boils as grief and anger consume Hamlet
and Laertes. In this solemn moment, tempers flare, threatening to unravel the fragile peace."
[Setting: A graveyard. Two gravediggers are working. HAMLET and HORATIO enter from a distance,
observing silently.]

---

Gravedigger 1 (digging):

"Why, it’s a pity. They say she drowned herself. A Christian burial for one who takes her own life?"

Gravedigger 2 (chuckling):

"The crown gives special orders. Water takes her, but earth must take her too."

[HAMLET and HORATIO approach closer, curious.]

Hamlet (whispering to Horatio):

"Is this the final jest of man? To become a feast for worms?"

Gravedigger 1 (singing):

"A pickaxe and a spade, a spade,

For a pit of clay so deep;

A grave for thee, a grave for me—

For all of us must sleep."

Hamlet (to Horatio):

"Whose grave is this they prepare with such mirth?"

Gravedigger 1 (to Hamlet):

"Not yours yet, young lord. A grave for a maid who met her end too soon."

---

[CLAUDIUS, GERTRUDE, LAERTES, and courtiers enter with OPHELIA’s body, borne on a bier with flowers.
HAMLET and HORATIO stand aside, unnoticed.]

Gertrude (placing flowers):

"Sweets to the sweet. Farewell, Ophelia. I had hoped to see thee wed, not shrouded."

Laertes (weeping):

"Lay her softly in the earth. O sister, thy innocence deserved better than this cruel world!"

[HAMLET steps forward, his face pale as he realizes who is being buried.]

Hamlet (shocked):

"Ophelia? Is this the fair maid whose voice once sang like a morning lark?"

Laertes (furious):

"Villain! How dare you show your face here? This is your doing—her death is on your hands!"

[LAERTES leaps into the grave, embracing OPHELIA’s body. HAMLET, overcome with emotion, follows.]

Hamlet:
"I loved Ophelia! Forty thousand brothers could not match my love! Do not mock my grief!"

Laertes (grappling with Hamlet):

"Love? Thy love brought her to ruin! Thou art no brother of mine!"

[They wrestle in the grave until the courtiers pull them apart. CLAUDIUS steps in, feigning calm.]

Claudius:

"Enough! This is a place of mourning, not wrath. Hamlet, Laertes, contain thy rage!"

[HAMLET steps back, his chest heaving.]

Hamlet (to Horatio):

"Let them bury the dead. There is more yet to come, and my heart aches for what must be."

---

Narrator:

"Grief and fury taint Ophelia’s farewell, foreshadowing the bloodshed to come. In the shadow of the
grave, the seeds of vengeance grow ever darker."

[The scene ends as OPHELIA’s body is lowered into the ground, with CLAUDIUS whispering to LAERTES,
plotting Hamlet’s demise.]

Scene 9: The Final Duel

Narrator:

"The court gathers for a moment of spectacle—an arranged fencing match between Hamlet and Laertes.
But behind the show of sport lies a web of treachery. Claudius and Laertes have set a deadly trap,
unaware that fate has plans of its own."

[Setting: A grand hall in Elsinore. The court is assembled. HAMLET and LAERTES stand opposite each
other, swords in hand. CLAUDIUS and GERTRUDE watch from their thrones, with HORATIO nearby.
OSRIC steps forward as the referee.]

---

Osric (gesturing grandly):

"My lords and ladies! A noble contest unfolds—Prince Hamlet against the valiant Laertes. Let honor
guide thy blades!"

Claudius (to Hamlet, feigning warmth):

"Come, Hamlet. If thou dost strike first, a pearl most rare shall be thy reward."

[CLAUDIUS drops the poisoned pearl into a goblet of wine, smiling slyly.]

Hamlet (to Laertes, earnestly):

"I bear thee no grudge, Laertes. If my actions wronged thee, they were born of madness, not malice."

Laertes (coldly):

"My honor demands satisfaction. Draw thy sword."

[They bow and begin the duel. The first few exchanges are fast but controlled. HAMLET scores the first
hit.]

Osric:

"A hit! A palpable hit!"

Claudius (raising the poisoned goblet):

"Take this cup, Hamlet, and toast thy skill."

Hamlet (shaking his head):

"Not yet, my lord. Let the match play on."

[They continue fighting. HAMLET scores another hit. GERTRUDE, worried for her son, takes the cup.]

Gertrude (toasting):

"My son’s health! I drink to his fortune."

Claudius (alarmed):

"Gertrude, do not—"

[Too late. GERTRUDE drinks from the poisoned cup. The duel intensifies as LAERTES lands a hit on
HAMLET with the poisoned blade.]

Laertes (aside, regretful):

"The poison bites both blade and conscience."

[In the scuffle, HAMLET disarms LAERTES and wounds him with the same poisoned blade. GERTRUDE
collapses suddenly.]

Gertrude (weakly):

"The drink... it is poisoned. O my son..."

[GERTRUDE dies. CLAUDIUS rises in panic as LAERTES, also faltering, confesses.]

Laertes (to Hamlet):

"Forgive me... Claudius planned this foul deed. The blade, the cup—they are death’s tools. We are both
undone."

[HAMLET, enraged, turns on CLAUDIUS.]

Hamlet:

"Then taste death, treacherous king!"

[HAMLET stabs CLAUDIUS with the poisoned blade and forces the remaining wine down his throat.
CLAUDIUS collapses, dead. LAERTES dies shortly after.]

Horatio (desperate):

"Stay with us, Hamlet! The world needs thy truth!"

Hamlet (weakly):

"Tell my story, Horatio. Let Denmark know the truth. Fortinbras... let him claim this broken throne."
[HAMLET dies in HORATIO’s arms.]

Scene 10: Fortinbras Claims the Throne

Narrator:

"The curtain falls on the tragic tale of Hamlet, a prince consumed by vengeance, a kingdom torn by
deceit. In this dark hour, as the royal bloodline lies dead, we are left to ponder: What cost does power
demand? What sacrifices must be made for justice to prevail? The bodies of kings and queens are piled
high, but the story does not end with their deaths. A new ruler approaches, one who will take the
throne not by blood but by fate’s cruel hand. Fortinbras, the prince of Norway, steps into a kingdom
shattered by betrayal, prepared to rule in the shadow of a tragic legacy."

---

[Setting: The throne room. FORTINBRAS and his soldiers enter, eyeing the fallen royals. HORATIO stands
solemnly.]

---

Fortinbras (looking at the bodies):

"What is this? A kingdom lost to madness? A throne filled with death?"

Horatio (stepping forward):

"Denmark lies in ruins, Prince Fortinbras. These men, these women, fell to treachery and revenge.
Hamlet, the noble prince, has died along with those who wronged him. All who held power here are
now gone."
Fortinbras (pausing):

"Then let Denmark rise again, from this tragedy. I claim this throne by fate, not by blood."

Horatio (nodding):

"Hamlet believed in you. He trusted you with his kingdom, Fortinbras. May you rule with wisdom, for he
has paid the price of ambition."

Fortinbras (addressing his soldiers):

"Denmark belongs to me now. Let its future be built upon justice and peace, not on the ashes of the
past."

---

Narrator:

"Thus, Fortinbras ascends the throne, inheriting not just a kingdom, but the lessons of its fall. Hamlet’s
life was one of conflict—between duty and desire, between action and inaction. In his death, we are
reminded of the frailty of man and the unyielding consequences of vengeance. The tragedy of Denmark,
and of Hamlet, is a warning to all who seek power through deceit and betrayal. The cycle of life and
death continues, but in the end, it is peace and wisdom that must prevail."

---

[The lights dim as the curtain falls.]