Hamnet

Hamnet is the only son of Agnes and the unnamed father. He is the middle child of the family and Judith’s twin. Hamnet and Judith are nearly identical, though their opposite sexes mark them as fraternal twins. Hamnet is described by the omniscient narrator as intelligent but easily distracted, a trait he shares with his father.

Hamnet spends the first part of the novel searching for his family members in a desperate attempt to seek help for Judith’s sudden illness. His earnest desire to help emphasizes his youthful innocence despite consistently being let down by his family. First, Hamnet’s grandfather hits him. Second, despite his best efforts, Hamnet cannot find someone to help tend to Judith and ultimately becomes ill himself. Though Hamnet is the healthier twin opposite Judith’s sickly nature, he does not survive the plague. When it appears Judith is going to...