Discovery of Orders: Hamlet finds papers ordering his death and forges new ones ordering the death of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, using his father's signet.
Invitation to Duel: Osric informs Hamlet of a friendly duel invitation with Laertes.
The Duel
Pre-Duel: Hamlet and Laertes shake hands; Hamlet asks for Laertes' forgiveness.
During the Duel:
Hamlet is winning.
King Claudius offers a poisoned cup of wine as a toast.
Gertrude drinks the poisoned wine against Claudius’ attempt to stop her.
Laertes hits Hamlet with a poisoned foil, but they exchange swords.
Deaths and Confessions
Queen Gertrude: Collapses and dies from poison.
Laertes:
Realizes he is wounded by the poisoned foil.
Confesses that the King is responsible for the poison.
Asks Hamlet for forgiveness before dying.
King Claudius: Is stabbed by Hamlet and forced to drink poison.
Hamlet: Bids farewell to his mother, stops Horatio from drinking poison, names Fortinbras as the next King, and dies.
Aftermath
Fortinbras and Ambassadors' Arrival: Enter to find the scene of carnage.
Horatio's Account: Explains the events and deaths.
Fortinbras’ Orders: Requests a soldier’s funeral for Hamlet.
Themes
Madness: Claudius' actions more than Hamlet’s reflect madness.
Truth vs. Deception:
Claudius’ deception is undone.
The truth of the poisoning is revealed.
Emotional Impact
Audience feels a mix of satisfaction over Claudius' death and sorrow for the deaths of Hamlet, Laertes, and Gertrude.