Introduction

// Hamlet // Act One Introduction of characters


 * PRE-ENTRANCE: Is the character spoken about before he or she enters? Who speaks about him or her? What does he or she say?
 * ENTRANCE: When does the character enter the stage (act, scene, lines)? How does he or she appear? Is he or she carrying anything? Does he or she enter alone? Who else is on the stage?
 * CONTEXT: What is happening on the stage? In the story? Is there any significant connection between the entrance and the context?
 * FIRST WORDS: When does the character first speak in relation to his or her entrance? What does the character say? To whom does the character speak? What does the character mean?
 * DIALOGUE: What is the subject of the character’s speech? What are significant aspects of the character’s language? What are significant statements that the character makes?
 * PURPOSE/EFFECT: What does the character contribute to the scene? How do others react to the character? What role is the character playing here? What does the character contribute to the story?
 * MOTIFS: What connections are there between the character’s presence, behavior, or dialogue and the motifs or themes within the play?