Fortinbras is a character in the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare. Rumor has it that his dad, Old Fortinbras, made a bet with King Hamlet (Hamlet's father), in which he lost his life and extensive territory.
Now Fortinbras wants to avenge his father's death, and he has gathered an army to try to regain the lost territory. This is reminiscent of Hamlet's own problems with his father, his desire for revenge and his place as future king. However, the actions of both princes could not be more different. While Fortinbras takes action and faces his situation bravely, Hamlet is passive and indecisive. Hamlet is aware of the contrast as well. Fortinbras, therefore, serves as one of Hamlet's foils in the play.
