Minimal settlement for lead in drama (6)

I believe the answer is:

hamlet

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'minimal settlement' is the definition.
'hamlet' can be an answer for 'settlement' (hamlet is a kind of settlement). I'm not sure about the 'minimal' bit.

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hamlet that I've seen before include "Shak. play; village" , "Danish role" , "Shakespearean tragedy" , "The Dane" , "DOG" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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