Characterization in Hamlet

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Recommended: Character of Shakespeare's Hamlet

“In some respects we can know fictional characters even better than we know people.” The author of Literature, Structure, Sound, and Sense makes an important point about fictional characters. An author can “make” or “break” a story by how they portray the characters as well as how relatable they are. An author can also make a story interesting by using different types of characters, as well as following the three principles of a good character. Shakespeare uses these concepts in Hamlet to brilliantly display his characters and allow readers to relate to each of them.

The protagonist in this play is Hamlet. Hamlet is a character presented indirectly, because readers are not told explicitly who Hamlet is. Throughout the story readers learn new things about him. Hamlet even tells other characters in the story that there is more to him than they know. Even at the end of the story readers may not feel like they completely understand Hamlet. Hamlet is also a round character. Hamlet is a very complex individual, who is philosophical as well as contemplative. Readers see many sides of Hamlet, from his “love” with Ophelia in the beginning and then his carefree approach to her later, as well as his passionate fight for revenge over his father’s death. Hamlet also develops during the entire play. Readers at first see Hamlet’s disbelief when confronted by the ghost but through some investigating, mainly the play used to prove Claudius’ guilt, Hamlet finally comes to realize that his uncle really did kill his father.

Hamlet also follows the three principles of a good character: consistent, motivated, and plausible. Hamlet is consistent throughout the whole story. Even when readers see him change and develop, it is because of a significant event in the story. An example of this is the change in actions towards Ophelia. Hamlet starts out treating Ophelia lovingly, but because of her rudeness to him he starts to back off. He is also motivated, as he attempts to find his father’s killer and seek revenge. Hamlet is also a plausible character. He is not completely removed from human nature, as readers see him struggle with emotions and revenge. He also is not the “perfect” human as he is subject to rage and impulses.

This character is essential to this story because he is the protagonist. Without Hamlet there is no story.

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