Who Are The Key Characters In Fortinbras?

If you dig into the political subtext of 'Hamlet,' Fortinbras is low-key one of the most interesting figures. He's like this looming specter—always offstage but influencing everything. The fact that he's named after his father (Fortinbras Sr.) sets up this generational revenge parallel with Hamlet. But unlike Hamlet, he doesn't brood; he just moves forward, even if it means redirecting his army to Poland when his uncle forbids attacking Denmark directly. That adaptability makes him terrifyingly effective.

His relationships are mostly implied: the tension with his uncle, the loyalty of his soldiers (who follow him into a pointless war), and even this weird respect Hamlet develops for him. That final scene where Fortinbras arrives to find the royal family dead? Chills. He gets the last lines, ordering Hamlet a soldier's funeral. It's such a punchy ending—this pragmatic outsider inheriting a kingdom because everyone else was too busy scheming or soul-searching.

Fortinbras is one of those fascinating side characters in 'Hamlet' who doesn't get much stage time but leaves a huge impression. He's the Prince of Norway, and his dad was killed by Hamlet's father in battle years before the play starts. What I love about him is how he serves as this mirror to Hamlet—both are young princes seeking revenge for their fathers, but Fortinbras is all action while Hamlet hesitates. There's this incredible moment where Hamlet sees Fortinbras leading an army to fight for a tiny piece of land and realizes his own inaction. It's such a powerful contrast.

Other key figures tied to Fortinbras include his uncle, the current King of Norway (who's barely mentioned but crucial since he initially stops Fortinbras from attacking Denmark), and the Norwegian captain Hamlet meets who explains their mission. The captain's brief scene adds this layer of futility to Fortinbras' campaign—why die for worthless territory? Yet Fortinbras becomes the play's unexpected victor, strolling in at the end to claim Denmark's throne after everyone else dies. Shakespeare really knew how to write a quiet powerhouse.

Fortinbras fascinates me because he's Shakespeare's ultimate 'background chessmaster.' You barely see him, yet his presence reshapes the whole play. His key connections? First, his deceased father (the former King of Norway), whose death drives his thirst for honor. Then there's his uncle—the current king—who tries to rein him in but fails. The Norwegian soldiers following him add this collective character vibe; they represent blind duty versus Hamlet's individualism.

What sticks with me is how Fortinbras embodies 'action over words.' Hamlet monologues for hours; Fortinbras just does things, even if they seem irrational (marching thousands to death for a patch of dirt). That final image of him standing amid the carnage, coolly taking control? Perfect irony. The guy who barely spoke gets the crown.