Hamlet by William Shakespeare is a intriguing play, taking place in the "rotten" kingdom of Denmark, through the action of the play we are introduced to Prince Hamlet who has vowed to seek vengeance for his father, King Hamlet's death. Shakespeare uses many characters to influence the development of Prince Hamlet, some of them are main staples throughout the novel, while others appear briefly yet still are a significant presence. Fortinbras is a significant character in Hamlet, although he is in or referenced at only a few points in the play he performs a crucial role in the development of the character of Hamlet because Hamlet compares himself and his delay of action to eager Fortinbras and his willingness to avenge the death of his own father.

Shakespeare first introduces the reader to Fortinbras in Act 1 Scene 1. When the ghost of King Hamlet is seen, its is assumed...