Alfred

Alfred is a Stoppard invention who does not appear in Shakespeare's play. Alfred is a small boy, one of the six tragedians, who is highlighted in Stoppard's play because he is forced to play the feminine roles in drag and finds his cross-dressing very humiliating.

Ambassador

The Ambassador from England appears in both plays but only at the end to announce that the orders to execute Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have been carried out.

Claudius

In Shakespeare's play, Claudius, Hamlet's uncle, secretly murders Hamlet's father, marries Hani-let's mother, and sends for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to gather information on Hamlet's behavior as Hamlet mopes around the court. After Hamlet kills Polonius, Claudius orders Hamlet escorted to England by Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, where orders in a sealed letter are supposed to have Hamlet killed.

Gertrude

In both Shakespeare's and Stoppard's plays, Gertrude is Hamlet's mother and the new wife of King...