Important Brief Characters - The Ghost in Hamlet

In literature, some great effects can be caused in the work by characters who appear infrequently if at all. One such character is the ghost of Hamlet's father from the play Hamlet by Shakespeare. He only appears twice but creates significant changes in the action, the theme, and the character development. The ghost's appearances to talk to Hamlet change his thoughts and intents at each of the two times. His first appearance is to tell …

…who might have harmed Gertrude during their discussion. Also, Gertrude witnesses this, and only sees Hamlet talking to air and truly believes he is insane. In addition, Hamlet returns to the course that the ghost wants him to follow with the goal of arranging his death. Therefore, the ghost has great effects on the play and the character in it in these three ways. And these effects are caused without much appearance of the ghost.