Baptista
The offstage character Baptista is the wife of Gonzago. She is mentioned by Hamlet in Scene 9. (Scene 9#222)
Role
In the context of the play-within-a-play, the 'Mousetrap' / Gonzago play that is, Hamlet's mention of Baptista is part of the analogy by which Claudius is likened to the 'Mousetrap' play's murderous villain.
- Costume - not applicable, since Baptista does not appear on stage. In the mind's eye we picture her as an Italian duchess.
Name
Hamlet speaks of Baptista while sitting beside Ophelia. The name, Baptista, by the sound of it, suggests baptism, which is done by immersion in water. Ophelia will die from immersion in water. None of them has any idea of that when Hamlet speaks. The name is an "omen" that goes unheard.
Lines
Baptista has no lines.
Themes and Motifs
Those most relevant to Hamlet's mention of Baptista:
Omen, and Putting on a Show
The name is ominous for Ophelia, and Scene 9 is all about putting on a show.
On Stage
Baptista is never onstage. Hamlet speaks of her in Scene 9.
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