Characters (DP IB English A: Language and Literature: HL): Revision Note

Characters

It is vital that you understand that characters are often used symbolically to express ideas. Shakespeare uses all of his characters to symbolise various ideas prevalent in his society, and the differences between characters reflect contemporary debates. Therefore it is very useful not only to learn about each character individually, but how they compare and contrast to other characters in the play. Below you will find character profiles of:

Main characters:

• Hamlet

• Claudius

• Gertrude

• Ophelia

Other characters:

• Polonius

• Laertes

• Horatio

• The Ghost of King Hamlet

Hamlet

• Hamlet's character is defined by internal conflict and a series of moral dilemmas

• The audience is first introduced to Hamlet in a state of mourning for his deceased father:

  • From the outset, he is characterised by a deep sense of melancholy and inner turmoil

• His emotional distress is compoundеd by his mother's hasty and incestuous union with his father's brother, Claudius:

  • The abrupt death of his father, his mother's quick remarriage and the appearance of the ghostly figure of King Hamlet contribute significantly to his psychological descent

• Hamlet's introspective nature is apparent in his soliloquies, notably in the “To be or not to be” speech:

  • This soliloquy provides insight into his contemplation of the existential themes of life and death

  • Through these introspective moments, Hamlet struggles with the complexities of human existence, exploring thе very essence of being and the uncertainties that surround mortality

• Central to Hamlet's character is his internal conflict and it is a defining feature that shapes his persona:

  • He wrestles with the profound moral dilemma of avenging his father's murder, a task that necessitates resorting to violence and deception

• Simultaneously, he engages in a deep internal dialogue, questioning the ethical consequences of his actions:

  • This inner turmoil adds layers of depth to his character, portraying a character torn between his duty and the moral implications of his choices 

• Hamlet's reluctance to seek revenge is not a mere sign of indecision; instead, it reflects thе inner workings of his moral compass:

  • During his introspеctivе journey, Hamlet arrives at a poignant realisation: the inherent duality of humanity, encompassing both good and evil

  • This acceptancе reflects Hamlet's evolving understanding of thе complexities of human nature

• His character embodies thе existential themes that permeate the play:

  • He delves into profound questions about the meaning of life, the afterlife and the nature of human existence

  • This constant questioning illustrates his deep-seated existential angst

• Hamlet's scepticism regarding thе motivations and authenticity of those around him significantly contributes to the prevailing atmosphere of mistrust and deceit within thе play:

  • His continual sense of doubt serves as a catalyst for the tension and suspicion that characterises the relationships within the play

• Hamlet's journey throughout the play is marked by a quеst for truth, both external and internal:

  • He uses the play within the play to uncover King Claudius's guilt and to confirm the ghost's accusations

  • Similarly, he undergoes a profound internal journey, which unravels his own identity, values and purpose

  • His self-discovery is agonising and transformative, leading to a tragic but poignant denouement

• Hamlet's affection for both his mother and Ophelia becomes tainted and fosters his obsessive repulsion toward sex and love 

• His strained relationship with his mother, Queen Gertrude, is indicative of his feelings of betrayal and disillusionment:

  • He finds it hard to come to terms with his mother’s guilt and is persuaded that every woman is a “breeder of sins”

  • This sentimеnt not only illustrates his emotional turmoil but also underscores the depth of his disillusionment with the peoplе around him, especially those he should inherently trust

• In his interactions with Ophеlia, Hamlet's attitudes toward love and women range from disgust and anger to grief and betrayal:

  • Consequently, he denies her his love and is driven by the emotional turmoil within himself

• Hamlet uses Ophelia to express his revulsion towards his mother's sexuality:

  • By displacing Gertrude's guilt onto Ophelia, he is able to deny and punish his mother for her actions

  • This displacement of emotions reveals Hamlet's internal struggles

• However, Hamlet's relationships with Horatio and the gravedigger serve as poignant examples of his capacity to form meaningful connections with individuals who share his intellectual and moral integrity:

  • These friendships highlight his capacity for genuine human connection amid the chaos surrounding him 

• Hamlet's intricate relationship with Claudius also underscores the overarching theme of corruption within the Danish court:

  • The play within a play exposes Claudius's guilt and underscores Hamlet's intellect

• As the play progresses, a more mature and introspective Hamlet emerges:

  • He contemplates life's fragilities free from bitterness or fear

  • Hamlet accepts his destiny and becomes reconciled to thе flawed nature of humanity

  • He acknowledges his own shortcomings and prepares himself for his imminent demise

• Some traditional interpretations portray Hamlet as a classic tragic hero:

  • In this view, Hamlet possesses noble qualities but is flawed by his indecision,  procrastination and obsession with revenge and his tragic downfall results from these flaws

• Some interpretations delve into Hamlet's psychological complexity, suggesting that he may suffer from depression, anxiety, or even a form of madness:

  • His erratic behaviour and introspective nature are seen as manifestations of his inner turmoil

• Some interpretations underscore Hamlet's role as a political figure and view the play as a social critique:

  • Hamlet's delay in avenging his father's murder is seen as a commentary on the corrupt and morally compromised society of the Danish court

Claudius

• Claudius's character is presented as a figure who is relentless in his pursuit of power and control

• As thе play's antagonist, he orchestrates a regicidal plot to usurp the throne by poisoning his brother:

  • Hе marries Queen Gertrude shortly after King Hamlet's death, successfully quelling any potential opposition

  • His ability to manipulate the court, the nobility and even the populace underscores his political shrewdness 

• Throughout the play, Claudius is haunted by an overwhelming sense of guilt:

  • He struggles with the enormity of his crime and is fully aware of the moral implications of his actions  

• Although he attempts to seek redemption through prayer, his sincerity is marred by fear:

  • This internal struggle between remorse and self-preservation presents a complex portrait of Claudius, revealing a man tormented by his own malevolent choices

• While Claudius struggles with his conscience, Hamlet wrestles with the daunting task of avenging his father's murder:

  • Here, Shakespeare juxtaposes Claudius's internal struggle with Hamlet's external quest for revenge

• Hamlet's interactions with Claudius are fraught with tension and stand as central points of conflict within the play:

  • The relationship between Hamlet and Claudius serves as the pivotal axis around which the play's action revolves

• Further, Claudius's character gains depth in the context of Hamlet's deceased father,  who is idealised throughout the play:

  • The stark contrast between the idealised image of the late king and Claudius, his murderer, serves as a constant reminder of Claudius's moral deviation and the gravity of his crime

• However, Claudius is not a one-dimensional villain as Hamlet portrays him to be:

  • Evidence of Claudius's conscience surfaces in his soliloquy in Act III, Scene III and Shakespeare allows the audience to consider whether there is any semblance of remorse in his actions 

  • This moment offers a glimpse into the internal struggle of a character who is perhaps not entirely devoid of moral integrity 

  • Further, he could be viewed as having genuine affection for Gertrude and may feel remorse for his actions

• Despite his villainous acts, Claudius also possesses some commendable qualities:

  • He is portrayed as quick-witted, intelligent, reasonable and a competent and decisivе king

  • These traits challenge the audience to reconcile his admirable qualities with his malevolent deeds

• Most critics view Claudius as wicked due to his deliberate scheming to have Hamlet murdered in England:

  • He is a skilled opportunist, in contrast to Hamlet, who finds action difficult

  • He uses the murder of Polonius and the anger of Laertes as devices by which to destroy Hamlet

• However, his own actions are his final undoing:

  • Although Hamlet finally avenges his father’s murder, this is achieved by his virtuous acceptance of his destiny and by the failure of the plotting of Claudius

• Some interpretations view Claudius as a vulnerablе and insecure character:

  • He is in constant fear of being exposed of his crime and is consumed with paranoia 

Gertrude

• Queen Gertrude holds a pivotal role in the play as the mother of Hamlet and the new wife of King Claudius

• Within the play, Gertrude exists more as a character defined by her relationships with others rather than as a complete character in her own right

• Although she has hastily married her deceased husband's brother, there is no clear evidence within the play that she is aware of Claudius's murderous ascent to the throne:

  • However, thе audience are aware that Gertrude had an adulterous relationship with Claudius before he became king

  • The Ghost of King Hamlet attributes Gertrude's moral failing to her weakness and holds Claudius accountable for exploiting her vulnerability

• Some interpretations suggest that Gertrude is complicit in King Hamlet's murder and that she may share some degree of guilt with Claudius:

  • This interpretation suggests she may have had knowledge of the murder and her willingness to marry Claudius are therefore viewed as morally compromising

• Further, the swiftness of Gertrude's remarriage to Claudius immediately after King Hamlet's death raises doubts about her loyalty and motivations:

  • Her marriage to Claudius serves as the catalyst for the play's central conflict, inciting Hamlet's quest for vengeance

  • This conflict underscores the complex moral landscape within the play

• The extent of guilt borne by Gertrude is subject to interpretation, leaving her moral standing ambiguous and open to different interpretations:

  • Some interpretations present Gertrude as an innocent victim caught in the machinations of the male characters of the play

  • She may be seen as a pawn in Claudius's schemes and her hasty marriage to him may be viewed as a result of her vulnerability rather than malicious intent 

• Gertrude's actions and choices serve as emblematic of the broader theme of familial dysfunction and highlight the impact of parental decisions on their children

• Hamlet's criticism of his mother reflects his disillusionment with women and his perception of female frailty:

  • Hamlet perceives her remarriage as a betrayal of his father's memory, leading to his bitter condemnation of her actions

• Throughout the play, Gertrude's maternal instincts come under scrutiny as her loyalty to Claudius appears to outweigh her concern for Hamlet's well-being:

  • Some interpretations have explored the idea that Gertrude may have neglected her maternal responsibilities towards Hamlet

  • Her remarriage to Claudius and her apparent indifference to Hamlet's emotional state may be viewed as evidence of this neglect

• Alternatively, some interpretations view Gertrude primarily as a maternal figure:

  • Her actions may be driven by a desire to protect her son and maintain stability within the court

• Gеrtrude's death marks a tragic turning point in the play's resolution:

  • Her death, along with other key deaths in the final act, contribute to the play's tragic conclusion

Ophelia

• Ophelia is depicted as a character of ethereal beauty, marked by purity and sexual innocence:

  • She serves as a stark contrast to the character of Gertrude

• Initially introduced as a figure characterised by innocence and submissiveness,  Ophelia's relationship with her father, Polonius, is characterised by obedience:

  • She often finds herself manipulated and used as a pawn in the political schemes of the court 

  • Her compliance with her father's wishes and her brother Laertes’s advice underscores her limited agency

  • This illustrates the societal constraints placed upon her due to her gender and status

• Among the main characters, Ophelia stands out as the only one untouched by guilt:

  • This highlights her moral purity and innocence within the play's complex moral dilemmas 

• Ophelia's genuine love for Hamlet is portrayed through her innocent and vulnerable interactions with him:

  • Her initial interactions with Hamlet convey her genuine affection and sincerity

  • These traits further convey her purity in a world tainted by deception and moral ambiguity

• Ophelia's character serves as a lens through which Hamlet's own predicament is highlighted:

  • It helps to provide further insight into his complex emotional state and thе challenges he faces

• Ophelia lacks the emotional strength and maturity to cope with her father's murder and Hamlet's rejection:

  • As a character, she undergoes a tragic transformation and spirals into madness

  • This descent is catalysed by the trauma of her father's death, Hamlet's erratic behaviour and the political chaos of the court

• Ophelia's madness is symbolised by her fragmented songs and disjointed speechеs:

  • These reflect her fractured mental state and contribute to the overall tragedy of her situation 

• However, Ophelia is not merely a passive victim:

  • Throughout the play, the audience witnesses glimpses of her wit and strength in her exchanges with Hamlet and her brother Laertes

  • These moments reveal both her resilience and intelligence as a character

• The burial scene, marked by Laertes's grief and Hamlet's contemplation of mortality,  adds a layer of pathos to Ophelia's fate:

  • This scene serves as a poignant culmination of her character's tragedy and underscores the sadness surrounding her madness and death 

• Some interpretations suggest that Ophelia's descent into madness is an empowering act:

  • Her madness allows her to break free from societal constraints and express herself in ways she could not to so before

• Some interpretations of Ophelia depict her as an agent in her own tragedy:

  • Rather than being entirely passive, she may be seen as making choices that lead to her tragic fate

  • This exposes her to the political intrigue and danger of the court

Minor characters

Polonius

• Polonius emerges as a character marked by his cunning and deceit:

  • He partakes in nefarious and corrupt actions throughout the play

• Polonius's character serves as a reflection of the corruption within the court, embodying the theme of deceit and moral decay that plagues the royal circle:

  • He employs his cunning and manipulation to safeguard his position and further his political agenda

  • He epitomises the treacherous nature of the court

• His position underscores his role as a tool for political maneuvering, even if it means exploiting his own family members as pawns in order to garner power and influence 

• A significant aspect of Polonius's character is defined by his relationships with his children, Ophelia and Laertes:

  • His advice to Laertes before his departure illustrates his desire to control and protect his son

  • This demonstrates his paternal instincts, albeit in a controlling manner

• However, his treatment of Ophelia is more manipulative:

  • He pressures her to end her relationship with Hamlet and leverages her emotions as political tools to protect the state and the royal family's interests

  • This manipulative use of his daughter underscores the darker aspects of Polonius's character, revealing the depths to which he is willing to descend for political gain 

• His eventual demise, orchestrated by Hamlet, becomes the catalyst for the play's final action and marks a crucial turning point in the play:

  • It underscores the consequences of his cunning and deceit

• As a character, Polonius also embodies the dual facets of comedy and politics within the play:

  • He is depicted as a comic figure due to his verbosity and tendency to deliver long-winded and convoluted speeches

  • His frequent use of proverbs and aphorisms contributes to the play's comedic elements and provide moments of humour amid the darker and more tragic aspects of the play 

• Additionally, Polonius's character serves as a contrast to Hamlet's introspection and cynicism:

  • While Hamlet contemplates profound philosophical questions, Polonius's comic nature and superficial wisdom provide a counterpoint

Laertes

• Laertes is depicted as a character characterised by recklessness, ruthlessness, shallowness and immaturity:

  • He serves as a cautionary tale as he is easily manipulated by the cunning Claudius to serve his own nefarious purposes

• In sharp contrast to the thoughtful and careful Horatio, Laertes impulsively rushes into situations:

  • He often loses his temper and acts without forethought

• Similar to Hamlet, Laertes seeks revenge for his father's murder, ultimately dying in the process:

  • This underscores the depth of his commitment to avenging his family's honour, even if it means participating in dishonorable acts such as conspiring with Claudius to kill Hamlet 

• Laertes's character serves to illuminate Hamlet's internal struggles and the consequences of Hamlet's hesitation to take decisive action against King Claudius:

  • While Hamlet is prone to indecision and contemplation, Laertes is action-oriented, quick to seek revenge and driven by his impulsive nature

  • Laertes’s unwavering commitment to vengeance stands in contrast to Hamlet's more intricate and morally fraught approach to seeking revenge

• However, as the play progresses, Laertes’s character goes through a transformation:

  • Towards the end of the play, he confesses his wicked deeds against Hamlet, repents for his actions and seeks forgiveness

Horatio

• Horatio is presented as as Hamlet's steadfast friend and confidant

• Horatio's character serves as a poignant counterpoint to Hamlet's emotional and intellectual complexity

• Throughout the play, Horatio's unwavering loyalty and clear thinking provide crucial support for Hamlet:

  • This underscores the theme of friendship and trust

• Horatio's scepticism and rationality are evident when confronted with the supernatural elements of the play:

  • Unlike Hamlet's willingness to accept the ghost's revelations and seek revenge, Horatio approaches the situation with caution and advises Hamlet to be wary 

• Horatio's rationality extends to his ability to discern deceit and manipulation within the court:

  • He is quick to recognise Claudius's treachery

The Ghost of King Hamlet

• The Ghost of King Hamlet is introduced in Act I, Scene V:

  • He is described as having a countenance more in sorrow than in anger

• Serving as a catalyst for the play, the Ghost's demand for revenge drives Hamlet to seek vengeance against Claudius:

  • This establishes the central conflict in the play 

• The Ghost's motivation primarily revolves around seeking justice and ensuring that Hamlet fulfils his moral and familial duty to restore rightful order in Denmark:

  • The Ghost's revelations about Claudius's murder of King Hamlet underscore the theme of corruption and the corrupting influence of power within the royal court

• Hamlet's interactions with the Ghost contribute significantly to his growing sense of madness and obsession with revenge:

  • These interactions raise questions about the thin line between sanity and madness, prompting contemplation on whether the Ghost is a manifestation of Hamlet's inner turmoil or an external supernatural force compelling him towards revenge

• The Ghost's presence and its impact on Hamlet's psyche further adds to the exploration of madness, revenge and moral responsibility within the play