## Synopsis

### Act I

The musical begins with the company summarizing [Alexander

Hamilton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Hamilton "Alexander
Hamilton")'s early life as an orphan in the
[Caribbean](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caribbean "Caribbean")
("[Alexander
Hamilton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Hamilton_(song)
"Alexander Hamilton (song)")"). Hamilton was born out of wedlock in the
[West Indies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Indies "West
Indies")[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamilton_(musical)#cite_no
te-12)---his father abandoned him in the boy's early youth and his mother
died when Hamilton was 12\. By 19, Hamilton has made his way to the
[American colonies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirteen_Colonies
"Thirteen Colonies"), a dedicated supporter of [American
independence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Revolution "American
Revolution").

In the summer of 1776 in New York City, Hamilton seeks out [Aaron
Burr](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Burr "Aaron Burr"). Burr
advises the overenthusiastic Hamilton to "talk less; smile more".
Hamilton is unable to understand why Burr would rather exercise caution
than fight for his beliefs ("Aaron Burr, Sir"). Hamilton bonds with three
fellow revolutionaries: slavery abolitionist [John
Laurens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Laurens "John Laurens"), the
flamboyant Frenchman [Marquis de
Lafayette](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_du_Motier,_Marquis_de_La
fayette "Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette"), and the tailor's
apprentice [Hercules
Mulligan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hercules_Mulligan "Hercules
Mulligan"). Hamilton dazzles them with his rhetorical skills ("[My
Shot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Shot "My Shot")") and they dream
of laying down their lives for their cause ("[The Story of
Tonight](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Story_of_Tonight "The Story of
Tonight")"). Meanwhile, the wealthy Schuyler sisters---
[Angelica](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angelica_Schuyler_Church
"Angelica Schuyler Church"),
[Eliza](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Schuyler_Hamilton
"Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton"), and
[Peggy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peggy_Schuyler "Peggy Schuyler")---
wander the streets of New York, excited by the spirit of revolution in
the air ("[The Schuyler
Sisters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Schuyler_Sisters "The Schuyler
Sisters")").

[Samuel Seabury](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Seabury "Samuel

Seabury"), a vocal
[Loyalist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loyalist_(American_Revolution)
"Loyalist (American Revolution)"), preaches against the [American
Revolution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Revolution "American
Revolution"), and Hamilton [refutes and ridicules his
statements](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Farmer_Refuted "The Farmer
Refuted") ("Farmer Refuted"). A message arrives from [King George
III](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_III_of_the_United_Kingdom
"George III of the United Kingdom"), reminding the colonists that he is
able and willing to fight for their submission ("[You'll Be
Back](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You%27ll_Be_Back "You")").
The revolution is underway, and Hamilton, Burr, and their friends join
the [Continental Army](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_Army
"Continental Army"). As the army [retreats from New York
City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_and_New_Jersey_campaign "New
York and New Jersey campaign"), General [George
Washington](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington "George
Washington") realizes he needs help to win the war. Though Hamilton
desires a command and to fight on the front lines, he recognizes the
opportunity Washington offers him, and accepts a position as his [aide-
de-camp](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aide-de-camp "Aide-de-camp")
("Right Hand Man").

In the winter of 1780, the men attend a ball given by [Philip

Schuyler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Schuyler "Philip
Schuyler"), and Hamilton sets his sights on the man's daughters ("A
Winter's Ball"). Eliza falls instantly in love, and after being
introduced by Angelica, Eliza and Hamilton soon wed
("[Helpless](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helpless_(Hamilton_song)
"Helpless (Hamilton song)")"). Angelica is also smitten with Hamilton,
but swallows her feelings for the sake of her sister's happiness
("[Satisfied](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satisfied_(Hamilton_song)
"Satisfied (Hamilton song)")"). Hamilton, Laurens, Lafayette and Mulligan
drunkenly celebrate the marriage when Burr arrives to offer
congratulations. After Laurens teases him, Burr admits that he is having
an affair with [Theodosia Bartow
Prevost](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodosia_Bartow_Prevost
"Theodosia Bartow Prevost"), the wife of a British officer ("[The Story
of Tonight
(Reprise)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Story_of_Tonight#Reprises
"The Story of Tonight")"). Hamilton urges Burr to make the relationship
public. Burr, however, prefers to wait and see what life has in store for
him rather than take any drastic measures ("[Wait For
It](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wait_for_It_(song) "Wait for It
(song)")").

As the revolution continues, Hamilton repeatedly petitions Washington to

give him command, but Washington refuses, instead promoting [Charles
Lee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Lee_(general) "Charles Lee
(general)"). This decision proves disastrous at the [Battle of
Monmouth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Monmouth "Battle of
Monmouth"), where Lee orders a retreat against Washington's orders, which
prompts the commander to remove him from command in favor of Lafayette.
Disgruntled, Lee spreads slanderous and vindictive rumors about
Washington ("Stay Alive"). Hamilton is offended, but Washington orders
Hamilton to ignore the comments. Hamilton does not wish to do so, but
cannot disobey a direct order; instead, Laurens
[duels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duel "Duel") Lee, with Hamilton as
his second, and Burr as Lee's second. Laurens is satisfied after he
injures Lee and Lee yields ("[Ten Duel
Commandments](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Duel_Commandments "Ten
Duel Commandments")"). Washington is angered by the duel, and orders
Hamilton to return home to his wife ("Meet Me Inside"). When Hamilton
returns home, Eliza tells him she is pregnant. She reassures a hesitant
Hamilton that he doesn't need fame or fortune to live a happy life by her
side ("That Would Be Enough").

Lafayette takes a larger leadership role in the revolution, persuading

France to join the American cause, and the balance shifts in favor of the
Continental Army. Washington and Lafayette realize they can win the war
by [cutting off the British navy at
Yorktown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Yorktown "Siege of
Yorktown"), but they will need Hamilton to do so, and the general offers
him his long-desired command ("Guns and Ships"). On the eve of battle,
Washington recalls his disastrous first command, and advises Hamilton
that no man can control how he is remembered ("History Has Its Eyes on
You"). After several days of fighting, the Continental Army is
victorious. The British surrender in the last major battle of the war
("Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)"). His forces defeated, King
George asks the rebels how they expect to successfully govern on their
own ("What Comes Next?").

Soon after the victory at Yorktown, Hamilton's son

[Philip](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Hamilton "Philip Hamilton")
is born, while Burr has a daughter,
[Theodosia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodosia_Burr_Alston
"Theodosia Burr Alston") ("[Dear
Theodosia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dear_Theodosia "Dear
Theodosia")"). Hamilton receives word that Laurens has been killed in a
seemingly pointless battle (the [Battle of the Combahee
River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Combahee_River "Battle
of the Combahee River")) and throws himself into his work. ("[Tomorrow
There'll Be More of
Us](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomorrow_There%27ll_Be_More_of_Us
"Tomorrow
There")").[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamilton_(musical)#cite_
note-Dominick-13) Hamilton and Burr both return to New York to finish
their studies and pursue careers as lawyers. Burr is in awe of Hamilton's
unyielding work ethic and becomes increasingly irritated by his success.
Hamilton is chosen as a delegate to the [Constitutional
Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitutional_Convention_(Unit
ed_States) "Constitutional Convention (United States)") in the summer of
1787\. Hamilton enlists [James
Madison](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Madison "James Madison") and
[John Jay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Jay "John Jay") to write
*[The Federalist
Papers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Federalist_Papers "The
Federalist Papers")* after Burr refuses. Angelica announces that she has
found a husband and will be moving to London. The newly elected President
Washington enlists Hamilton for the job of [Treasury
Secretary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Secretary_of_the_T
reasury "United States Secretary of the Treasury"), despite Eliza's
protests ("Non-Stop").

### Act II

In 1789, [Thomas
Jefferson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Jefferson "Thomas
Jefferson") returns to the U.S. from France, where he spent most of the
[Articles of
Confederation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Articles_of_Confederation
"Articles of Confederation") era as an ambassador. Immediately upon
returning, he briefly addresses [Sally
Hemings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sally_Hemings "Sally Hemings"),
asking her to open a letter from Washington, requesting that he become
the first Secretary of State under the new Constitution. Upon Jefferson's
arrival in New York, [James
Madison](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Madison "James Madison")
asks for Jefferson's help to stop [Hamilton's financial
plan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Report_on_the_Public_Credit
"First Report on the Public Credit"), which Madison believes gives the
government too much control ("What'd I Miss?"). Jefferson and Hamilton
debate the merits of Hamilton's financial plan during a
[Cabinet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabinet_of_the_United_States
"Cabinet of the United States") meeting. Washington pulls Hamilton aside,
and tells him to figure out a compromise to win over Congress ("[Cabinet
Battle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabinet_Battle "Cabinet Battle")
\#1").

While Hamilton is working at home, Eliza reminds him that

[Philip](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Hamilton "Philip
Hamilton"), their son, is turning nine years old. Philip presents
Hamilton with a short rap he composed, amazing his father. Angelica
advises Hamilton to convince Jefferson of his plan so Congress will
accept it. She also mentions a letter recently received from Hamilton, in
which he referred to her as his "dearest", and wondering if it was
intentional. Later, Eliza and Angelica try to persuade Hamilton to
accompany them on vacation for the summer, but Hamilton refuses, saying
that he has to work on his plan for Congress, staying in New York while
the family goes upstate ("Take a Break").

While alone, Hamilton is visited by [Maria

Reynolds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Reynolds "Maria Reynolds"),
who claims she has been deserted by her husband. When Hamilton offers to
help her, [they begin an
affair](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamilton%E2%80%93Reynolds_sex_scand
al "Hamilton–Reynolds sex scandal"). Maria's husband James Reynolds
blackmails Hamilton, who is furious with Maria but pays Reynolds and
continues the affair ("[Say No To
This](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Say_No_To_This "Say No To This")").

Hamilton discusses his plan with Jefferson and Madison over a private
dinner, which results in the [Compromise of
1790](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compromise_of_1790 "Compromise of
1790"), giving support to Hamilton's financial plan in exchange for
[moving the United States
capital](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Residence_Act "Residence Act")
from New York to Washington, D.C., a site much closer to Jefferson's home
in Virginia. Burr is envious of Hamilton's sway in the government and
wishes he had similar power ("[The Room Where It
Happens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Room_Where_It_Happens "The
Room Where It Happens")"). Burr switches political parties and defeats
Eliza's father, [Philip
Schuyler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Schuyler "Philip
Schuyler"), in a race for Schuyler's seat in the Senate. This drives a
wedge between Burr and Hamilton---the latter believes that Burr holds no
loyalties and will stop at nothing to gain influence ("Schuyler
Defeated").

In another Cabinet meeting, Jefferson and Hamilton argue over whether the
United States should assist France in its [conflict with
Britain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_of_the_First_Coalition "War of
the First Coalition"). Washington ultimately agrees with Hamilton's
argument for remaining
[neutral](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proclamation_of_Neutrality
"Proclamation of Neutrality")("Cabinet Battle \#2"). After the meeting,
Burr, Jefferson, and Madison share their envy of Washington's perennial
support of Hamilton's policies. They begin to seek a way to damage
Hamilton's public image ("Washington on Your Side").
Washington tells Hamilton that Jefferson has resigned from his position
in order to run for president, and that Washington himself is stepping
down. Hamilton is shocked, but Washington convinces him that it is the
right thing to do, and they write a [farewell
address](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington%27s_Farewell_Add
ress "George Washington") ("[One Last
Time](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Last_Time_(Hamilton) "One Last
Time (Hamilton)")"). In England, King George III receives word that
Washington is stepping down and will be replaced with [John
Adams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Adams "John Adams"). The king
exits merrily, ready to enjoy the United States' suffering through the
political turmoil caused by transitions in leadership, and Adams'
inexperience ("I Know Him").

Hamilton is fired by Adams and publishes an inflammatory critique of the

new president as a response ("[The Adams
Administration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Adams_Administration
"The Adams Administration")"). Jefferson, Madison and Burr believe they
have found proof that Hamilton embezzled government money, effectively
committing treason. When confronted, Hamilton admits to his affair with
Maria Reynolds and his furtive payments to James Reynolds ("We Know").
Though the men swear to keep his secret, Burr reminds Hamilton that
rumors grow, and Hamilton worries that the truth will get out. He
reflects on how writing openly and honestly has saved him in the past
("Hurricane"), and publishes a public admission about the affair, hoping
to snuff out rumors of embezzlement and save his political legacy. His
personal reputation, however, is ruined following the publication of his
*[Observations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamilton%E2%80%93Reynolds_s
ex_scandal "Hamilton–Reynolds sex scandal")* ("[The Reynolds
Pamphlet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Reynolds_Pamphlet_(song) "The
Reynolds Pamphlet (song)")"). Heartbroken by his infidelity, Eliza
tearfully burns the letters Hamilton has written her over the years,
destroying Hamilton's chance at being redeemed by "future historians" and
keeping the world from knowing how she reacted by "erasing herself from
the narrative" ("Burn").

Years pass, and Philip, now grown, challenges [George

Eacker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Eacker "George Eacker") to a
duel for insulting his father. Following Alexander's advice, Philip [aims
for the sky](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deloping "Deloping") at the
beginning of the duel, hoping the gesture would cause Eacker to stand
down, but at the count of seven, Eacker shoots him ("Blow Us All Away").
Philip is taken to a doctor, who is unable to save him. Hamilton and
Eliza separately arrive not long before Philip dies ("Stay Alive
(Reprise)"). In the aftermath of Philip's death, the family moves uptown.
Hamilton asks for Eliza's forgiveness for his mistakes, which he
eventually receives ("[It's Quiet
Uptown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It%27s_Quiet_Uptown "It")").

[The presidential election of

1800](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_
1800 "United States presidential election, 1800") results in President
John Adams' defeat, with Jefferson and Burr tied to win. Hamilton is
upset that Burr holds no apparent principles, and so endorses Jefferson,
who wins the presidency ("The Election of 1800"). Burr, angered,
[challenges Hamilton to a
duel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burr%E2%80%93Hamilton_duel "Burr–
Hamilton duel") via an exchange of letters ("[Your Obedient
Servant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Your_Obedient_Servant_(song) "Your
Obedient Servant (song)")"). Before sunrise on the morning of the duel,
Eliza, unaware of the duel, asks Hamilton to come back to bed. Hamilton
tells her he has an appointment, and tells her that he loves her ("Best
of Wives and Best of Women").

Burr and Hamilton travel to [Weehawken, New

Jersey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weehawken,_New_Jersey "Weehawken,
New Jersey") for the duel. Hamilton aims his pistol at the sky and is
struck in the chest by Burr's bullet. Hamilton soliloquizes on death, his
relationships, and his legacy. He dies soon after, with his wife and
Angelica at his side. Burr laments that even though he survived, he is
cursed to be the villain in history, remembered as the man who killed
Alexander Hamilton ("[The World Was Wide
Enough](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_World_Was_Wide_Enough "The
World Was Wide Enough")").

The company congregates to close the story. Washington enters and reminds
the audience that they have no control over how they will be remembered.
Jefferson and Madison collectively admit the genius of their rival's
financial plans. Eliza explains her role in preserving her husband's
legacy over the next 50 years and frets that she has still not done
enough. Addressing Hamilton directly, she tells him that she has
established a private orphanage in his honor and she "can't wait to see
\[him\] again" ("[Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your
Story](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_Lives,_Who_Dies,_Who_Tells_Your_
Story "Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your
Story")").[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamilton_(musical)#cite_
note-14)