RALPH:  While Hamlet was talking with his mother in her private chamber, he mistook Polonius for Claudius hiding behind the curtain, and stabbed the royal counsellor.

SARAH:  While killing Polonius didn’t seem to trouble Hamlet all that much, it actually worked out quite well for Claudius.  He took advantage of the situation and had Hamlet shipped off to England, where he hopes to have him quietly executed.

RALPH:  All this has been too much for Ophelia.  Her former boyfriend has apparently gone crazy and has murdered her father.  Now she’s gone crazy as well, and her insanity, unlike Hamlet’s, seems to be quite real.

SARAH:  Things are starting to move rather quickly.  Ophelia’s brother Laertes has come back from France, and, in a blind rage, he’s seeking revenge on whoever’s responsible for his father’s death, although he’s not quite sure who that is.

RALPH:  In the meantime, Claudius has learned that Hamlet has escaped his trap to kill him in England and that he’s come back to Denmark.  So Claudius convinces Laertes to participate in a scheme to kill Hamlet in a rigged fencing match.

SARAH:  Just as they’re finalizing their plans, Gertrude enters, bringing yet more tragic news.