"Hamlet" is one of William Shakespeare's most famous tragedies. It tells the story of Prince Hamlet's journey of revenge and self-discovery in the wake of his father's death. The play is set in the kingdom of Denmark.

As the play starts, we see the ghost of Hamlet's father, King Hamlet, appearing on the castle battlements. The ghost reveals that he was murdered by his brother, Hamlet's uncle Claudius, who has since married Hamlet's mother, Queen Gertrude, and taken the throne. The ghost urges Hamlet to avenge his death.

Hamlet is deeply affected by this revelation. In order to investigate his father's death, Hamlet feigns madness. He becomes consumed by thoughts of revenge and begins to question the nature of life, death, and the human condition. Meanwhile, Claudius grows increasingly wary of Hamlet's behavior.

To gather more information, Hamlet stages a play within a play which has a scene that mirrors his father's murder. Claudius's guilt is revealed when he reacts strongly to the performance. Hamlet is now sure of his uncle's crime.

Hamlet's relationship with Ophelia, his beloved, deteriorates due to his erratic behavior. Ophelia's father, Polonius, believes Hamlet's madness is a result of his love for Ophelia. Tragedy strikes when Ophelia drowns, and her brother Laertes returns from France seeking revenge.

As tensions escalate, Claudius decides to send Hamlet to England under the pretense of protecting him and plots to have him executed there. However, Hamlet escapes and returns to Denmark.

Laertes and Claudius devise a plan to kill Hamlet in a fencing match. They arrange a poisoned sword and a poisoned cup of wine. During the duel, Gertrude accidentally drinks from the poisoned cup and dies. Hamlet and Laertes are both wounded by the poisoned sword and both die.

Before dying, Hamlet reveals the truth about his father's murder to Horatio, his loyal friend. Fortinbras, the Prince of Norway, arrives to find a kingdom in disarray. Hamlet's death paves the way for Fortinbras to assume control of Denmark.

The themes of "Hamlet" are revenge, mortality, the complexity of human emotions, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The play's central character, Hamlet, remains one of literature's most complex and intriguing figures, captivating audiences with his internal struggles and philosophical contemplations.