The Ghost in Hamlet The Ghost of Hamlet’s father is one of the most crucial characters in the play. If not for him, Hamlet would not have been thrown into the state of distress and torment that plagued him throughout the story. Every tragedy needs an element of the supernatural, and in this tale, the Ghost brings forth the reasons for revenge. Although the Ghost only has a few lines, he tells the truths …showed first 75 words of 1264 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1264 total…his son to avenge his murder (Chute 138). This is what the story is all about. Hamlet’s indecision on a course of action and his distrust of his uncle would not have been enough reason for the story to go on without the Ghost’s appearance. Nor would it have set the tone for a tragedy because Hamlet would not have known for sure that Claudius killed his father, bringing about no quest for revenge.