Prince Hamlet has been summoned home to Denmark to attend his father’s funeral. One night, a Ghost reveals itself to Hamlet, claiming to be the ghost of Hamlet’s father, the former king. The Ghost claims that the old king was murdered by Hamlet’s uncle, Claudius, who has since married Hamlet’s mother and assumed the throne.
Hamlet decides to uncover the truth for himself. He makes himself appear crazy, mistreating his girlfriend Ophelia to deflect Claudius’ suspicion. He later convinces a troupe of players to perform The Murder of Gonzago, a play that reenacts King Hamlet’s death by poisoning. Claudius’ response to the play is suspicious.
Hamlet spies on Claudius, listening to him pray. Enraged, Hamlet accidentally kills Polonius, Ophelia’s father. Claudius sends Hamlet to England on the pretense of a diplomatic mission, having secretly arranged for the prince to be executed on arrival. Hamlet cleverly escapes, returning in time to witness Ophelia’s funeral. She may have killed herself.
Claudius arranges a duel between Hamlet and Ophelia’s brother Laertes. During the duel, Gertrude drinks from a poisoned goblet intended for Hamlet. Laertes and Hamlet scuffle, wounding each other with a poisoned rapier. In his last moments, Hamlet kills Claudius, at last avenging his father.