Hamlet greets his friends warmly, but suspects complicity, and prods them gently for the truth.

After a brief exchange, they admit to being there at the King's request.

While traveling to Elsinore, they met and invited a troupe of actors in an attempt to change Hamlet's mood.

Hamlet asked the troupe's leader to perform a scene he was familiar with, which they did gladly.

As the rest of the troupe heads for quarters, led by Polonius, Hamlet asks the leader to insert a few lines he will write into the performance.

He believes he may be able to determine the truth of the ghost's words by his uncle's reaction.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern appear before the King to report...nothing. Hamlet remain secretive.

Polonius and the King hide within earshot as an arranged “chance” meeting takes place to determine if love equals madness.

Having seen Ophelia rejected and ordered “to a Nunnery” by Hamlet, the two men decide he must be sent away.

Hamlet makes sure the actors are properly coached on the parts they must play in the modified performance.

As Osric serves refreshments, Hamlet comes in and acts as if nothing had happened with Ophelia.

The first part of the performance is puzzling; Hamlet says it is about a murder in Vienna.