There are three appearances of the ghost in the play Hamlet, each occurrence forming a central element in the consequential development of Shakespeare's play. The third occurrence differs significantly from the others, in that it pushes the idea that the ghost is in part a figure of Hamlet's mind. The ghost's first appearance in the present tense occurs on the wall of Elsinore Castle when the castle guards Marcellus and Bernardo. brings Horatio to their custody. Marcellus and Bernardo have already seen the ghosts twice. Still, they brought Horatio, a close friend of Hamlet, because they wanted to see if the ghost who looked a lot like Hamlet's father, would talk to him. As Horatio approached, he was skeptical of the ghost's appearance. As he mentions in the text: "Tush, tush, 'it won't appear.' (Act 1, scene i). The ghost has appeared, and Horatio notes the fact that the late Hamlet is wearing armor from a past battle and declares that he will pick up Hamlet the next day to go see the ghost. Horatio having learned of the invasion of Fortinbras' army, in addition to other current events, concludes that the ghost has urgent business, he thinks that the ghost may be a sign of bad luck for Denmark. During the second appearance (act 1 scene 4) Hamlet is with Horatio, Bernardo and Marcellus. The Ghost asks Hamlet to follow him. Horatio, who is cautious, warns Hamlet not to do it. Hamlet disobeys and follows the ghosts' recommendations. As the text shows: “it is my destiny that calls me. Every nerve in my body is now as strong as steel. The ghost always beckons to me. Let me go, gentlemen. (Act 1 scene 4. line 89) The ghost then speaks, revealing that he is the spirit of his father and that he is in a sort of "purgatory". The ghost dreams...... middle of paper ......t. This lack of conversation gives some idea that the ghost is real, but some of the conversations and instructions given by the ghost are just a figure of the Hamlet's consciousness and thoughts. Additionally, on the other side of the spectrum, the final appearance could have been a complete set-up in Hamlet's mind proving that he had indeed gone mad. Throughout the play, the ghost helps develop the storyline. The ghost allows Shakespeare to open the play with suspense and foreshadow a doomed fate for Denmark. In the second appearance, Hamlet gave a first-hand account of his father's murder. Hamlet is also given instructions to take revenge and kill Claduious. During the third apparition, the ghost is not seen by Gertrude. This develops ideas, including that of Hamlet actually going mad, or the proof that the ghost's instructions to Hamlet are nothing less than Hamlet's own thoughts and ambitions..