Horatio can be seen as a marginal figure in the play, but he is a marginal figure for whom the audience develop respect and affection.

Trustworthiness

Intelligent

Studied with Hamlet

"a scholar"

Can follow Hamlet's wordplay

Sceptical of ghost

At the time everyone believed in ghosts

"will not let belief take hold"

Rather kill himself than live life with Hamlet dead

Link with Macbeth

"an antique roman"

"Why should I play the roman fool and die on my own sword" - macbeth

Contrasts Horatio's lack of self interest with Macbeths "fatal flaw"

Class

Lower class (marginal in society)

"your poor servant"

Messenger at various points in the play

Important to move the plot along but still makes him seem socially less important

'Live and tell [hamlets] story"

In most of the crucial parts of the play but is never really addressed by anyone other than Hamlet

In contrast to Rozencrantz and Guildenstern, who are roughly the same social standing, yet they are spoken to directly much more because they believe they can use them

A.C. Bradley says that all the main characters have a fatal flaw, shows us that Horatio is a marginal figure since we don't get to see a fatal flaw

End of the Play

2017 production, see Horatio lying on Hamlet which is a very tender moment

"Draw thy breath in pain" / "tell my story"

Hamlet's behavior towards him

Since Hamlet is the protagonist it shapes the way the audience see's him

"Oh good Horatio, ill take ghost's word"

Hamlet has told Horatio everything- links to trustworthiness

"tush tush twill not appear"

"why should the poor be flattered"