King Claudius

King Claudius (also simply known as Claudius, but only directly referred to as The King in the play) is the main antagonist of William Shakespeare's play Hamlet and its film adaptations. He is the King of Denmark, brother of King Hamlet, second husband to Queen Gertrude, and uncle to Prince Hamlet (the hero of the story). He murders his brother in order to usurp the throne and marry his former sister-in-law Gertrude; Prince Hamlet learns of his uncle's treachery and vows revenge, setting the play in motion.