Elder Fortinbrasse
The Elder Fortinbrasse was a man killed by King Hamlet, in a single combat, years before the play begins. He was the father of young Fortinbrasse, who does appear in the play.
The Elder Fortinbrasse was not the King of Norway. That all-too-common notion is not supported by the play. He was the King's brother, and was a nobleman of high rank, probably a Duke. His domain included Elsinore Castle.
ROLE
Well, none. He makes no appearance in the play because he's dead. His "role" is only as part of the background material, to lead to the onstage events.
Name
BOOKMARK
Themes and Motifs
Most immediate for the Elder Fortinbrasse:
On Stage
The Elder Fortinbrasse is mentioned by Horatio in Scene 1.
© 2014 Jeffrey Paul Jordan
All rights reserved. See the Copyright page for further information.