The prince of Norway makes his way towards Poland.
A soldier in the service of Fortinbras.
The pair accompany Hamlet towards England.
The pair accompany Hamlet towards England.
Hamlet meets the other prince, Fortinbras, and is impressed.
Folio (myShakespeare) version: Fortinbras, the prince of Norway, is on his way to wage war on Poland.
Second quarto version: Fortinbras' men and Hamlet cross paths, and Hamlet learns of Fortinbras’ plans. Hamlet is impressed. He admires Fortinbras’ commitment and courage, and decides to follow his example. He’ll avenge his father’s death once and for all.
SPECIAL NOTE: Several different texts of Hamlet exist. One of these texts, the Second Quarto (named after the way it was printed), features an extra encounter between Hamlet and Fortinbras, which is included in our Appendix.