Rosencrantz and Guildenstern were two of the school-fellows of Hamlet. But they do not have that sentiment of friendship for Hamlet which Horatio cherishes.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Role in the play

Claudius engages these two men, who are now his courtiers, to keep a close watch on Hamlet and to find out the nature of the malady that afflicts him. The queen joins her husband in entrusting the two courtiers with this charge. The two men offer their services in this matter without the least hesitation. They then get busy with the task that has been laid upon them.

Hamlet is, however, too clever for them. It doesn’t take Hamlet much time to understand the motive of these two courtiers in approaching him and expressing their solicitude for his welfare.

The knowledge that these old school-fellows of his have joined forces with Claudius, hurts Hamlet deeply, with the result that he now feels bitter towards them and makes them a victim of his biting wit. It is to them that Hamlet said:

I am but mad north-north-west; when the wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a handsaw.

Act 2, Scene 2

The two courtiers get a good snub from the prince when he tells them in his sharp and pungent manner that they should not think that they can befool him. This is how he puts the matter:

Why, look you now, how unworthy a thing you make of me….,’sblood, do you think I am easier to be played on than a pipe? Call me what instrument you will, though you can fret me, you cannot play upon me.

Act 3, Scene 2

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Impact on the play

When the king sends Hamlet to England, he orders Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to accompany him. The two courtiers carry a letter from Claudius according to the term of which Hamlet will be killed by the English authorities.

Hamlet became suspicious on the ship and finds an opportunity to open Claudius’s letter. He replaced the letter with another which eventually lead to the murder of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern at the hands of English authorities.

Conclusion

We do not feel sorry at the fate of the two courtiers who allowed themselves to be used as tools. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern play only a slight role in the play and are men without any character.