Importance Of Minor Characters In Hamlet

When analyzing a text, it is essential that readers do not put two-dimensional character aside as they have the same amount value of a three-dimensional character. Minor characters typically serve as a plot device to establish a setting or theme. However, it is not expected of them to be interesting as the major characters are far more complex and have intentions that cause them to be the central focus of the play. To further explain, major characters are three- dimensional so a reader and, therefore, relatable, as opposed to a two- dimensional role. With that being said, minor characters are important to help establish a three-dimensional major character through interactions between them. William Shakespeare’s Hamlet successfully applies the

For example, upon Hamlet’s meeting with the ghost of King Hamlet, his objectives are revealed. The play then develops into a revenge story amongst the loyal family. During Hamlet’s encounter with his father’s spirit, he vows to, “wipe away all trivial fond records, all saws of books, all forms, all pressures past that youth and observation copied there, And thy commandment all alone shall live”(1. 5. 100-103). The ghost holds a strong influence in Hamlet’s choices. He preserves to only the ghost’s commandment by avenging him. Therefore, Hamlet morality changes after his meeting with the ghost as he plans to kill the King of Denmark despite the consequences. Additionally, the ghost has an influence in the choices Hamlet makes when enacting upon his revenge, especially in the way Hamlet chooses to kill Claudius. To explain, Hamlet comes across Claudius while praying after the play confirms he is guilty; however he does not kill the King. According to the play, killing one while praying in the process will automatically send them to heaven. To further explain, Hamlet realizes this as, “A villain kills my father, and, for that, I, his sole son, do this same villain send to heaven…. He took my father grossly, full of bread, with all his crimes broad blown, as flush as May. And how his audit stands who knows save heaven?”(3.3.

To elaborate, minor characters exemplifies a contrast of actions and choices between them and a major character, such as when Hamlet becomes a tragic hero due to his flaws while his foil succeeds. Moreover, minor characters contain such traits that gain a protagonist’s approval, where in Hamlet, the hero admires loyalty and rationality. Finally, Shakespeare demonstrates the influence that the minor characters have towards their opposites; through the moral choices that Hamlet makes while attempting to avenge his father.