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Plays › The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark › Barnardo

Barnardo

The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark · 19 speeches across 1 scenes

A soldier of the watch at Elsinore. He helps establish the play's atmosphere of dread by witnessing the Ghost's appearance.

Who they are

Barnardo appears only in the opening scene, where he relieves Francisco on guard duty. He is one of the first witnesses to the Ghost of King Hamlet, and his urgent reports to Horatio and Marcellus set the supernatural mystery in motion. His role is primarily expository—he establishes the setting, the political tension, and the eerie phenomenon that drives the plot.

Playing them

Play with palpable tension and military alertness. His energy is anxious and watchful, shifting from routine guard duty to fearful awe. Use a firm, low voice suited to a soldier, with physicality that is stiff and ready. Convey his growing dread as he recounts the Ghost's appearance.

Appearance

Typically dressed as a Danish guardsman in armor or a watchman's cloak, often carrying a partisan or lantern. His presence should feel grounded and soldierly, contrasting with the supernatural event he describes.

Where they appear

Play Barnardo

Take the part and Yorick reads every other role aloud, following you line by line as you speak.

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