Fortinbras is either of two minor fictional characters from William Shakespeare's tragedy Hamlet. The more notable is a Norwegiancrown prince with a few brief scenes in the play, who delivers the final lines that represent a hopeful future for the monarchy of Denmark and its subjects. Fortinbras is also the name of the former king of Norway and father of the crown prince Fortinbras. King Fortinbras was slain in the play's action in battle with King Hamlet. The battle between the two is described by Horatio in act one, scene one (I,i) of the play.