* Hamlet: Mournful, introspective, and contemplative. Hamlet is consumed by grief over his father's death and struggles to understand the events surrounding it.
* Claudius: Ambitious, manipulative, and cunning. He is Hamlet's uncle, who has married his brother's widow, Gertrude, and ascended to the throne.
* Gertrude: Loving, but perhaps naive and easily swayed. Gertrude is Hamlet's mother, who seems to be in love with her new husband, Claudius, despite the recent death of her former husband.
* Horatio: Loyal, cautious, and observant. Horatio is Hamlet's close friend and confidant. He helps Hamlet investigate the mysterious events surrounding his father's death.
* Polonius: Arrogant, manipulative, and overly cautious. He is the Lord Chamberlain and father of Ophelia and Laertes, and he serves as a foil to Hamlet, often meddling in matters that do not concern him.
* Laertes: Impetuous, passionate, and fiercely protective. He is Polonius's son and Ophelia's brother, and he leaves to travel to France but returns when he hears of his father's death.
* Ophelia: Innocent, naive, and easily manipulated. She is Polonius's daughter and Laertes's sister, and she becomes the object of Hamlet's affections.
* The Ghost: Mysterious, vengeful, and sorrowful. The ghost of Hamlet's father appears to Hamlet, revealing the truth of his murder and demanding revenge.
Note: While the Ghost is not a living character, its presence and revelations play a significant role in Act I and are crucial to the development of the play.