* Fortinbras, the Prince of Norway, becomes king of Denmark. He arrives at the end of the play to find the country in ruins after the deaths of King Claudius, Queen Gertrude, Hamlet, Laertes, and others.
* Horatio, Hamlet's closest friend, is tasked with telling Fortinbras the story of what happened. He agrees to do so, and the play ends with him promising to honor Hamlet's memory.
While Horatio is a loyal and noble character, he is not in line for the throne. His role is primarily that of a witness and a storyteller, ultimately ensuring that Hamlet's story is told.