In literature, some great effects can be caused in the work by characters who appear infrequently if at all. One such character is the ghost of Hamlet's father from the play Hamlet by Shakespeare. He only appears twice but creates significant changes in the action, the theme, and the character development.
             The ghost's appearances to talk to Hamlet change his thoughts and intents at each of the two times. His first appearance is to tell Hamlet that he was murdered by Claudius, the new king and Hamlet's uncle. This is the inciting action that starts the true essence of the play. Without this meeting, Hamlet would only have suspected his uncle of foul play but would have no proof and no place to start from in his search for clues. The ghost's second appearance interrupts Hamlet's dialogue with his mother, Gertrude. He setsHamlet back on Gertrude who was uninvolved in the murder.
             The theme is also affected by the ghoast. He is the one who asks Hamlet to avenge his death. The ideas of revenge is first presented there. He also tells Hamlet that he is in hell, since he was unable to have the last rites performed before his death. This statement keeps Hamlet from killing Claudius while the murderer is praying. The themes of heaven, hell, sin, and absolution are involved this way.
             A third way the ghoast causes changes is through development of characters. Once Hamlet has spoken to the ghoast, he changes from a depressed moody individual into someone full of anget and he plans to take revenge with a fiery passion. As a means of escaping any responsibility for any crimes he many commit, he uses a facade of madness which has drastic effects. When the ghoast appears a second time he calms Hamlet, who might have harmed Gertrude during their discussion. Also, Gertrude witnesses this, and only sees Hamlet talking to air and truly believes he is insane. In addition, Hamlet returns to the course that the ghost wants him to follow with the goa
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