The Characters Traits of Hamlet

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Hamlet is a Shakespearian tragedy that takes place in the kingdom of Denmark. The plot

consists of murder, betrayal, revenge, suicide and insanity. Hamlet the prince of Denmark, main

character of Hamlet, has many character traits which are contrasted by other figures in the play.

Hamlet’s personality is especially contrasted by three other main male figures of the play being

Horatio, Claudius, and Laertes.

Horatio is Hamlet’s best friend in the play whom is let into the mind and secrets of

Hamlet. Horatio’s other part in the play is the reader’s indication that since he and Hamlet both

saw the ghost, Hamlet’s sanity isn’t in complete doubt. Horatio is a man of virtue, known as

being very strong, rational, and having unwavering strength of character. Hamlet turns to Horatio

as a result of these characters, which Hamlet lacks within himself. One could also argue the fact

that hamlet admires and idolizes Horatio for these traits. Horatio accepts fate and remains level

headed which maintains control of emotional upheaval. Hamlet lacks this control, allowing his

emotions to take control of him. As Hamlet is dying, Horatio is ready to commit suicide.

Horatio’s act is one of honour, not emotional attachment. Horatio rises to the occasion, to be the

one whom retells the events that occurred during the play so the events are kept real and

unforgotten. Throughout the play, Hamlet had thoughts of suicide but was driven by being

unable to cope with his emotions. Hamlet’s emotions also get in the way of his plots for revenge.

Hamlet is bent on thoughts of revenge on Claudius for the murder of Hamlet’s Father.

Laertes is also guided towards acts of revenge, but on Hamlet for the death of Laertes’ father...

... middle of paper ...

...arrying out his father’s revenge, but he planned on doing it himself for the sake of

avenging his father. Claudius’ actions were only beneficial to him, and were carried out for his

selfish purposes. When Claudius had killed King Hamlet, it was only to steal the throne and

assume his wife. Hamlet’s actions were more for the greater good. Hamlet plans on killing

Claudius for the sake of his family’s honour, and to avenge his fallen father.

Claudius, among the characters Laertes and Horatio are important in the play as foils to

Hamlet. Their character foils contrast that of Hamlet’s character. Overall, Hamlet’s dominant

character traits are procrastination, indecision, impulsive, devoted, and emotional. Having his

traits contrasted by these fellow characters aids in the understanding of Hamlet’s true nature and

the understanding of the plot.

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