Hamlet begins with guards whose main importance in the play is to give believability to the ghost. If Hamlet were to see his father's ghost in private, the argument for his madness would be easier to follow. Yet, not one, but three men together witness the ghost before even thinking to notify Hamlet. As Horatio says, (being the only of the guards to play a significant role in the rest of the play), "Before my God, I might not this believe / Without the sensible and true avouch / Of mine own eyes. (Act 1, Scene 1, 56-8)" Horatio, who appear ....