] Horatio he is not dead at the end of the play, but neither is he in line for the crown of Denmark.

For which gift he should be very thankful given what the throne of Denmark seems to do to people! ;-)

I just don't think that the two characters that are still alive at the end of this play is an accident. Both F and Hor. are alive to make their own separate points. I believe that they are both minor characters, with very definite personalitites that can balance their worlds. In addition, they are both plot catalysts and inspiration (for better or worse) for Hamlet. They are also both outsiders to the Danish Court. Lucky F. - he shows up in the end and all the dirty work is done!