Rosencrantz is a character from William Shakespeare's play, Hamlet. He is a childhood friend of Hamlet, the prince of Denmark. Along with his companion, Guildenstern, Rosencrantz is summoned by King Claudius to spy on Hamlet and uncover the cause of his apparent madness. In the play, Rosencrantz often serves as a foil to Hamlet, highlighting the prince's introspective nature. His character is often seen as somewhat foolish and easily manipulated, reflecting the themes of friendship and betrayal. The duo of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern has also inspired the play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead by Tom Stoppard.