Hamlet Characters Quiz
Hamlet by William Shakespeare · 7 multiple-choice questions with answers · about 6 min
Test your knowledge of Hamlet with 7 characters questions with answers and explanations — motives, relationships and how characters change. Ideal for revision once you have read the whole play.
Motives, relationships and how characters change. Drawn from the whole play — contains spoilers.
Skills tested: Character · Difficulty: Standard, Challenge
Hamlet Characters questions
The answers and an explanation for each question appear as you play, and on the answer-key page of the printout.
- In his first soliloquy, what grieves Hamlet most bitterly?
Laertes being allowed to return to France · His mother's hasty marriage to his uncle · Losing Ophelia's love to her father's orders · Fortinbras threatening Denmark's borders
- What cause of Hamlet's madness does Polonius insist on to the King and Queen?
Rejected love for Ophelia · Grief for his father and the hasty marriage · A fever caught at university · Shame at being passed over for the throne
- Why does Hamlet refuse to kill Claudius when he finds him kneeling at prayer?
He is still not sure the Ghost told the truth · Guards are standing at the chapel door · He wants Laertes to share in the deed · Killing him at prayer might send him to heaven
- How does Ophelia's madness show itself when she comes before the King and Queen?
She sleepwalks the castle carrying a candle · She writes long letters to her dead father · She sings snatches of songs and gives out flowers · She accuses the Queen of murder before all
- When Horatio offers to call off the fencing match, how does Hamlet answer?
He admits he means to kill Laertes · Whatever comes, readiness is all · He asks Horatio to fence in his place · He says the Ghost has promised him victory
- Which character, also seeking revenge for a murdered father, acts without Hamlet's hesitation?
Laertes · Horatio · Osric · Guildenstern
- Who is Horatio to Hamlet?
His cousin and rival for the throne · His father's old chamberlain · His mother's trusted servant · His loyal friend from university
More Hamlet practice: all Hamlet quizzes · characters quiz · themes quiz · plot recall quiz · read Hamlet free
Act and scene numbers follow the standard modern edition (e.g. Folger). Hamlet's Act IV, Scene iv soliloquy appears in the Second Quarto, which modern classroom editions include.
Original questions written for Pagine. Quotations are from the public-domain text.
Frequently asked questions
Is this Hamlet Characters quiz free?
Yes. All 7 questions are free with answers and explanations. Play online with instant feedback, or print it as a test with an answer key — no sign-up needed.
What does the Hamlet Characters quiz cover?
7 characters questions drawn from every part of Hamlet. Motives, relationships and how characters change. It tests character at standard, challenge level.
Does it contain spoilers?
Yes — it draws on the whole play, including the ending.
Can I use it with a class?
Yes. Print it with the answer key for a reading check, homework or revision lesson, or share the link so students can take it online.
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