But what a sad story. Who and what is Horatio? A man who is trustworthy, honest, sober, loyal, loving, and virtuous. He tries and fails to restrain Hamlet from directly engaging with the murderous Claudius. He is outraged by evil, frank in his doubts about Hamlet's morals, and faithful that the power behind the science of the universe and the fates of individual men is ultimately good. He harbors far more regret and passion than he expresses. He is the reliable friend everyone needs. In the end, duty compels him to inflict further pain on himself by recounting the story that causes him suicidal grief.
It's almost unbearable to think of him picking up the pieces of Hamlet's tale before Fortinbras and the nobles, and leaving the court to return to Wittenberg. Who could possibly fill his heart after his loss? What philosophical adjustments will he labor to make after witnessing such a waste of human excellence? It's a sad prospect.
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| Karl Geary as Horatio |