* King Claudius: Hamlet's uncle and the current king, Claudius is the one who poisoned his brother (Hamlet's father) and married his widow. He fears Hamlet will expose him and seeks to eliminate him. He first attempts to have Hamlet killed by hired assassins but that fails. He then plots with Laertes to ensure Hamlet's death.
* Laertes: The son of Polonius, who was killed by Hamlet in a fit of rage. Laertes is motivated by revenge and wants Hamlet dead. Claudius uses Laertes's desire for vengeance to manipulate him into killing Hamlet by suggesting a duel where a poisoned rapier will be used.
Together, they plot a deadly scheme, resulting in Hamlet's tragic death and the deaths of many others.