Horatio is Hamlet’s friend and serves as Hamlet’s confidante throughout the play. Unlike Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, and even Ophelia, Horatio is the one person who never betrays Hamlet. His loyalty is so strong that he even intends to take his own life so that he does not have to live without Hamlet.

Horatio is the only one in the play who speaks the truth to Hamlet instead of simply telling him what he wants to hear. Hamlet respects Horatio for this, and Horatio is the only one with whom Hamlet is genuine throughout the play. Even upon Hamlet’s death, Horatio is still loyal to Hamlet, and he promises to tell Hamlet’s story.

Horatio loves Hamlet so much that he would rather impale himself on his own sword than live on after Hamlet's death. Hamlet passionately demonstrates his own deep love and admiration for Horatio in his request that Horatio tell Hamlet's story. Hamlet trusts his friend enough to leave him the task of finding the words that will divine the truth.

Horatio is the only person in the play that Hamlet trusts. Horatio is one of the two people who know for certain that Hamlet’s madness is an act. Horatio is the only friend/family Hamlet has. Horatio is the only one caring for him, taking care of him, making sure he is good, and okay. Horatio never really shows that he needs Hamlet.