Who the ghost is
The ghost walks the castle at night at Elsinore, where Hamlet mourns his father. Guards and Hamlet's trusted friend Horatio tell the prince about the spirit resembling his father.
When the ghost speaks to Hamlet, he accuses Claudius, Hamlet's uncle and Denmark's king, of murdering him. This accusation turns Hamlet's grief and distrust toward a possible crime at the heart of the court.
What the ghost wants
The ghost demands revenge, placing on Hamlet the task of acting against Claudius. Yet Hamlet doubts whether a spirit can be trusted and seeks evidence before taking action.
The ghost and the others in the story
The ghost resembles the father Hamlet mourns, but his account leaves the prince with urgent doubts. Hamlet must weigh the demand for revenge against conscience and the consequences of action.
To test the accusation, Hamlet arranges a performance resembling the alleged murder and watches Claudius's response. The ghost's claim therefore connects a private loss with questions about royal power, truth, and justice.
Questions
Who is the ghost in Hamlet?
The ghost is the spirit resembling Hamlet's father who appears at Elsinore and speaks to the prince.
What does the ghost want Hamlet to do?
He wants Hamlet to avenge his father's murder, which he blames on Claudius.
Does Hamlet believe the ghost?
Hamlet does not immediately trust the ghost's accusation. He looks for evidence and uses a theatrical performance to test Claudius's reaction.