Hamlet is the title character, our protagonist, and the tragic hero. Most of the play is focalized through his perspective, and the audience gets information almost at the same time as Hamlet himself. This orientation and narrative technique often causes the audience to identify and sympathize with Hamlet. But every other character is also essential to the play, and one of the reasons Shakespeare's work endures is due to the richness of all his characters, even secondary and minor ones.
Choose one character other than Hamlet and argue for his or her importance. What elements of the plot turn on this character? What narrative elements does this character bring to the table? What do we gain from his or her unique perspective? How does this character help us understand what we otherwise would not? As always, remember to use specific textual evidence to support your argument. If a prior comment touches on your character, be sure to engage your classmates' ideas and build upon them.
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One of the most important characters other than Hamlet is the ghost. Althgouth he only appears a few times, his words drive the action behind the plot. In Act 1 Scene 5, the ghost speaks with Hamlet. It is at this point in the story that Hamlet learns about the true nature of his fathers death. In addition, this is where Hamlet is told to get revenge for his father's death, when the ghost says, "Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder (Act 1 Scene 5 Line 31). Without this interaction, Hamlet would not have a substantial reason to seek revenge and thus the story would be very dull. At this point in the story, the ghost tells us the details of the murder. It is here when we are very likely to sympathize with Hamlet and detest King Claudius. Thus the ghost has an important job of setting the readers attitude and perspective.
ReplyDeleteThe ghost speaks again in Act 3. He says, "Do not forget. This visitation is but to whet thy almost blunted purpose" (Act 3 Scene 4 Lines 126-127). These words remind both us and Hamlet that his purpose is to get revenge on King Claudius. It is also emphasized here that Hamlet should be kind to his mother. This can sway our opinions of Gertrude. Whether we previous thought she was good or bad, the ghost here is telling Hamlet that Claudius is the bad one and the he should have sympathy for Gertrude. This can also make the audience see Gertrude as more innocent.
I think these two passage prove that the ghost is one of the most important characters in the story.
When I first read this question the first minor character that came to my mind was Horatio, and so that is who I chose to write on, but after reading Erica's post I definitely agree that the ghost is a really important minor character. Like she said, it is from him that Hamlet learns about the murder, and without him learning that there is no play. But for the sake of arguing a new character I also think Horatio is really important. First of all, he is in the very first scene and the last scene of the play, which I don't think happened by chance.
ReplyDeleteIn the opening scene he and a few other men are waiting out to see if the ghost will appear. In act 1 scene 1 line 48, Horatio is given credit from the very beginning that he is very smart and trustworthy when Marcellus says, "Thou art a scholar. Speak to it, Horatio." So automatically the audience has a high regard for Horatio. Throughout the play, Horatio is also the person whom Hamlet trusts more than anybody. He is his closest friend and really the only person he truly confides in. During the scene where the play is staged, Hamlet has Horatio be involved in his plan to watch Claudius to see how he reacts. So not only is Horatio in on the plan but Hamlet trusts him and his judgement enough to make a pretty strong decision about Claudius. During that scene on line 312 Hamlet says, "O good Horatio, I'll take the ghost's word for a thousand pound. Didst perceive?," and Horatio replies "Very well, my lord." This shows that Horatio believes the same thing Hamlet does which in turn gives Hamlet more credibility as well. If there were no other character on the same page as Hamlet I don't think the audience would sympathize or understand his actions as much.
In the last scene of the book, Horatio is practically the last guy standing after everybody has died. Horatio is so distraught that he starts to pick up the poisoned cup I believe in an attempt to kill himself but Hamlet says on line 381, "If thou didst ever hold me in thy heart, absent thee from felicity awhile and in this harsh world draw thy breath in pain to tell me story." So Hamlet begs Horatio to stay in this "harsh world" so that people could know what happened. If it weren't for him doing what Hamlet asked, Fortinbras would have showed up with a bunch of dead people on the floor and no explanation which probably would have caused a lot of chaos in the nation. Because of Horatio, though, now everybody will know what happened in Denmark.
I hate to admit that there would be no tragedy of Hamlet without the evil character, Claudius. Although I am clearly not a big fan, this story would go nowhere without him. He is the one who starts it all, and could be considered the other protagonist of the story.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the story, King Claudius is mostly seen as evil, harsh, and coniving. However, these are just a few of his many characteristics that make him the complex protagonist he is truly. The audience can already assume he is a horrible man when they find out he married his brothers' wife so soon after his death in Act 1, scene 2. Then, as soon as the ghost of the late King Hamlet appears, the audience can sense foul play in the kingdom.
King Claudius' character really starts to get interesting after Hamlet discovers he was the one who murdered his father. This part of the plot causes you to focus more attention on Claudius. You become more interested in his actions and his dialogue. I could tell Claudius was confident that he got away with the murder until Act 3, Scene 1. In this scene, Polonius and Claudius spy on a conversation between Hamlet and Ophelia. When Hamlet leaves enraged, Polonius is convinced he is lovesick, but the King feels uneasy. He states, "Was not like madness. There's something in his soul O'er which his melancholy sits on brood." At this point, he seems to be the only one who sees any underlying meaning to Hamlets' madness.
He plays another important role during Act 3, Scene 2, during Hamlets' play, The Mousetrap. He shows the first signs of recognition during the poisoning scene. His performance leaves no doubt in our minds that he murdered the King. His actions lead to the climax of Hamlets' actions. Hamlet can now follow through with his plans.
We see a guilty and more sensitive side to Claudius in Act 3, Scene 3. He exclaims, "A brothers murder. Pray can I not, though inclination be as sharp as will. My stronger guilt defeats my strong intent." But his speech had little effect on my emotions and I found myself still wishing Hamlet would kill him right there.
So, although I am rooting for Hamlet the entire book, the story would be flat if it did not have King Claudius. Every good story needs a villian.
When I read Erica's post about the ghost, I immediately thought that was a great option! While I read the question, Horatio also popped into my head. Thinking a bit more about it and not exactly wanting to use the same character, I started looking more at the text. I completely agree that without the ghost Hamlet would never have been told about his father's murder, therefore making the ghost a very necessary component. I also just really like Horatio and agree that without him, no one would know the story of what happen to Hamlet and his family.
ReplyDeleteUpon looking at the list of characters a little closer, I noticed Bernard and Marcellus. They only appear in act one and only for about three scenes. HOWEVER, without them, Hamlet would never have found out about the murder. It's Bernard and Marcellus that find Horatio to show him the ghost. Without the trust of Horatio, they knew that no one would believe their claim. They needed someone scholarly and trusted by Hamlet. Once, they have convinced Horatio of what they saw, Horatio is then the one to present the idea to Hamlet. Horatio starts in Act 1, Scene 2, Line 197 saying "My lord, I think I saw him last night." The full story then unfolds at line 206. Horatio tells Hamlet about Bernard and Marcellus seeing the ghost two nights in a row and then he saw it on the third. With Horatio's word, Hamlet believes that this all might be true and agrees to go to the platform that Marcellus tells Hamlet about and see what the ghost is all about.
Thus, Horatio and the Ghost parts would not have occurred without the characters of Bernard and Marcellus finding the ghost in the first place. WIthout these two characters, the story would never have begun and there would be no tragic story of Hamlet.
I have to agree with what Erica said. The ghost truely is the most important minor character in this play. And for all the reasons that she mentioned. Without the ghost there would be no play. There isn't mention of Hamlet knowing that his father's death was murder before he met the ghost and most likely would never know it if the ghost had not shown up.
ReplyDeleteLike Erica also mentioned, the ghost points out the key person to go after, Claudius. Even though in Act 1 Scene 2, line 53, he hints that his "seeming-virtous queen" Gertrude may not be as innocent from the whole plot as readers may come to believe she is. Even though the ghost latter on implies to Hamlet that he should be sympathic towards his mother, the ghosts' earlier comment still sticks with the reader, making the arguement that she could as well be another conspirator in senior Hamlets' death.
Claudius is quite vital to the story. If Claudius was not in the play, then there would be no murder and no reason for Hamlet Jr. to exact revenge. Revenge is, essentially, the plot of the play. Without Claudius, what would happen? Nothing. Hamlet Sr., Hamlet Jr., and Gertrude would still be living the same happy life that they were living before Claudius murdered his brother.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kaitlin. I believe that Claudius is an essential character. Every story needs an antagonist. However, I also believe that the Players are essential to the play. Before the showing of Mousetrap, the audience is still unsure whether Claudius really killed his brother or not. The only testimony the audience has up until this point is from the ghost. The Players, however, make it really apparent that Claudius killed his brother. After Lucianus, the nephew in the play, seeks revenge for his father by poisoning the current king, Claudius hastily leaves. “Give me some light. Away!” (3.2.295). In addition, after seeing the play, Claudius has the urge to pray for his sins, and the audience finally hears directly from Claudius that he murdered his brother. “O, my offense is rank, it smells to heaven;/It hath the primal eldest curse upon ‘t, a brother’s murder” (3.3.40). The play is what triggered this confession; therefore, the audience might not have heard this confession without the use of the Players.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, the Players also provide some comic relief. Although the plot of Mousetrap is about murder and revenge, the diction and the use of rhyme make the play seem more light and entertaining. “The instances that second marriage move/Are base respects of thrift, but none of love./A second time I kill my husband dead/When second husband kisses me in bed” (3.2.205).
I completely agree with Kara about Claudius. Claudius is the cause of tradgedy and pain that is brought upon Hamlet and Gertrude. If it was not for Claudius Hamelt Senior would still be alive. Hamlet Jr would have a loving father who would be able to spend time with him, and he would also have a lot of pain taken away from him wondering what it would be like to have his father with him.
ReplyDeleteGertrude would be with the man she truly loves, and would not have gotten together with Hamlet Seniors brother:Claudius. Claudius killed Hamlet Sr. out of revenge, rage, and jealousy. If maybe he would have talked things out with his brother he would have not killed him then.
A family got destroyed and in the end everyone suffered and died all because of one person: Claudius. So, I would have to go and say that Claudius is the most essential character besides Hamlet Jr himself.
Like Erica said earlier, the ghost is one of the most important characters in the play besides Hamlet. The ghost is responsible for many of the actions of Hamlet through the story. Especially in Act 1 Scene 5 Lines 65-71 when the ghost tells Hamlet the nature of his father's death."With juice of cursed hebona in a vial, And in pouches of my ears did he pour the leprous distilment, whose effect holds such an enmity with blood of man". This quote alone alters the entire play. It causes Hamlet to question Claudius as well as many other characters. Once Hamlet found out about this he went mad, blaming everyone including Ophelia and Gertrude. Again like Erica said, this changed the whole perspective of the play. At this point the reader is probably angry with Claudius. Overall, the ghost really sets the mood with in this scene and he made other important appearances in the play. It is very hard to choose just one important minor character as they all contribute significantly to the events that occur in the play.
ReplyDeleteI think rather than saying that Hamlet is rich in characters, it’s more of ambiguity and blanks for readers or its audiences to fill in. He portrays every character with some aspect not available. And with these blanks, readers can enrich the characters by their own imagination. That's why people say that, there are thousands of different Hamlets in thousands of readers mind. Other characters also go with the same way.
ReplyDeleteWith the questions left in the play, I would like to further develop the Queen’s character (Gertrude). She is very important in this play because she was one of the reasons that Hamlet did not like Claudius, even before he learnt the murder. And there are lots of complications in her, such as her love to old Hamlet versus her affection to the new King, her love to Hamlet and her concerns with Claudius. And as one of the only two female characters in the play, she did not have her own decisions until the end of the play in Act 5 Scene 2, where she suddenly became very determined and courageous to drink the poisonous wine from Hamlet’s cup. Her acknowledge of the whole murder and revenge was also a mystery. Above-mentioned points are all the places where the plot can be further developed. And I would like to put it in to a 20-episode soap opera in which 5 episodes could concentrate on developing her side of the story.
In this play, Gertrude, in my opinion is better in logic than Ophelia, but she is still not a leading character who leads the play to continue. In other words, she is there to aid the play to flow, do as what men told her to do. I would consider it a narrative element, as well as a way to portray her personality. In the meantime, as we learn more about Gertrude, more questions appear in our mind, and it will guide as to continue discover what happens next. This character is also a tool to keep the audience interested.
The more complicated the characters are, the more time people will spend on thinking about the play afterward. Maybe that’s how Hamlet has become a classic that people studied and enjoyed for a long time.
I am on my own but I would say Ophelia, she never really gets a say in anything. However she is the main focus in many ways. For example, Act 3 Scene 1 line 125. Hamlet says, “ I did love you once.” Ophelia only says that she believes him. She has no deciding factor on what she wants out of the relationship. She has to listen to Hamlet’s whole speech and gets to say five words. I think through the play she gets mentioned a lot however she never has very important dialog. She doesn’t talk to people, people just talk at her. But if Ophelia was not in the play it would be dull, you always need a woman to bring a certain element and drama, and she creates a little love story which makes the play good.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I hate to agree with everyone, I would have to say Claudius was the first character that came to mind when I thought of who would be Hamlet's best supporting character. WIthout him, there really would be no story. No murder, no revenge, no incest, no ghost of Hamlet Sr., no problems. Problems or obstacles are the most important aspect of good stories, and Claudius provides plenty. He not only kills Hamlet's father and marries his mother and takes over the kingdom, but he sends him away because he thinks he is crazy and also tries to poison and kill him through his pawn Laertes. And "accidentally" kills the Queen with a cup of poison intended for Hamlet. It couldn't get much more complicated than that. I'm not sure Claudius as a person is that complicated, because all he seems to care about is the throne and his obsession with power. He will do whatever it takes to get rid of anyone who stands in his way and is a master at manipulating others to help him with his evil deeds.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the earlier posts which claim that the ghost, Horatio or Claudius are the best supporting characters. Though I also believe that Gertrude is another important character in the supporting role. It was partly for her (other more important reason being the crown of king) that Claudius murdered King Hamlet. If it wasn't for the crown and Gertrude, the Queen of Denmark the tragedy of Hamlet wouldn't have taken place.
ReplyDeleteA flipside to this which also strengthens her character is that Gertrude's role is very vague. No one in the entire play knows why she married Claudius, did she know anything about the murder before the act took place, did she actually love claudius or was her alliance only to maintain her title as the queen. There is also a possibility that Gertrude married Claudius to protect her son and herself now that her husband was no more. Thus, Gertrude's role in Hamlet is quite important.
Ophelia is an important character. While in the play she is just a minor character, it is because of her we see how complex Hamlet (Jr.) is. If she wasn’t in the play the audience would never question Hamlet’s madness, they would never see him as anything more than the prince, son of Hamlet and Gertrude. Throughout most of the play Hamlet is trying to get revenge for his father’s death. He believes his mother may have had a hand in Claudius killing his father. We find out how much Hamlet is bothered by his beliefs in his mother’s actions by the way he treats Ophelia. Hamlet feels he cannot trust women because his father trusted women, specifically Hamlet’s mother and look where that got him. This is most likely what the audience can deduce from what Hamlet (Jr.) does and says. What he does say is to Ophelia, his anger with women in general is shown through is conversations with her. When Ophelia is “walking back from prayer” because her father and the king wanted to ease drop on her conversation with Hamlet, Hamlet just yells at her and basically is mean to her. When she tries to return his gift he says I didn’t give you any gift.
ReplyDeleteThanks to Ophelia, Hamlet is given a different dynamic than just a son who is trying to get revenge. The audience, due to Ophelia, can see Hamlet is upset and he is obsessed with getting revenge. He did love her he admits it and he shows it through letters and gifts. Ophelia is an important character in Hamlet she is the cause of her father’s actions in the royal family. She is also a key component in showing the ambiguity of Hamlet’s madness.
I really have to agree with Erica and a lot of the others. I feel the ghost has a huge role as a catalyst for the story, yet really is only seen about twice in the story. Hamlet was never happy about his mother's marriage, but he would have just sulked about it for a long time. He never had the proof that his father was murdered. Once this was provided by the ghost and Claudius's reaction during the play, he becomes a different person. Hamlet then becomes obsessed in his pursuit of getting revenge for his father. When Hamlet kills Polonius, the ghost then reappears to get Hamlet back on track. The ghost keeps the story moving to the final unfortunate conclusion.
ReplyDeleteI agree with many of my classmates that the ghost is a very important character in this tragedy, however, on the means of being different I am going to argue that Gertrude is a significant part in the story. Hamlet's mother, the queen, plays an important role in Hamlet's character as well. Queen Gertrude has a lot of control over the emotions that are provoked in the plot of the play Hamlet.
ReplyDeleteOne major example is that throughout the entire play Gertrude has a huge impact on the characters, especially Hamlet. Hamlet believes that his mother is betraying his father by marrying his father's brother and so soon after his death. With out her role these emotions Hamlets reflects would not help define his character. Her constant denial and plead of understanding to Hamlet, only highlights the feelings that Hamlet hands towards his mother. I feel that without Gertrude's character and her damaged relationship with her son, Hamlet, the play would be dry and lack excitement.
Ophelia is minor character in Hamlet, and at first it doesn't appear she has any real influence on Hamlet. In his first encounter with Ophelia he rejects her and women in general, he even tells her to go to a nunnery. Hamlet seems mad and confused at this point. However when he sees her dead body he finally realizes what he has lost. Hamlet professes that he truly loved her. In his scuffle with Laertes brings out his true emotions and how he really feels towards women. Also Ophelia is used as a sort of pawn by her father, but she asserts her own opinions and actions and tries to show she is independent of her father's schemes. Ophelia is the only woman that Hamlet could trust himself to love because of her innocence.
ReplyDeleteI also agree, in saying that the ghost has a huge influence over the story. Without the ghost Hamlet would never have had any proof or idea who might have killed his father. With out the ghost Hamlet would not have had the idea of the play or any idea how to put on the production. So even if Hamlet eventually did get the idea that Claudius was responsible for the murder he would have no way to prove it. He may have just been a very depressed and confused young man. The ghost is the catalyst to Hamlet's actions. All of his actions catalyze everyone else’s actions, thus without the ghost we would have a completely different play.
ReplyDeleteThe first character that came to mind was the ghost. Like many of my classmates, I believe that the ghost played a very vital role in the story. Even though he/it only appeared a few times, and rarely spoke at that, I believe that he provides the reasoning for much of what Hamlet is doing. He's the reason Hamlet has the players act out this story of Gonzago, whose story is symmetrical to that of his fathers death. He catches King Claudius in his guilt and everything pretty much unfolds from here on end. I personally believe had the ghost not been apart of this story that it just would have looked like Hamlet was some sort of fool who is/ is not in love with Ophelia and is toying with here emotions. I don't believe that any of the murders that took place would have taken place and the story would have lost all of the "story". I'll put the ghost right up there with Hamlet. He's kind of like Sherlock's Watson. Doesn't really get much credit, yet still very important and is needed.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Kara and Candice. Without Claudius there may have never been a story! He starts off poisoning his own brother, then marries his sister-in-law and takes over as king! Claudius is bothered by Hamlets emotional state. I don't think he is bothered by it just because he is worried about Hamlets well being, no I think he is worried because he is afraid Hamlet knows something he shouldn't. He constantly keeps track of Hamlet (almost obsessively), turns Hamlets friends against him and have them follow him, and tries to kill him in the end.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I find it ironic that Claudius and his wife try to claim that they married for love and yet when Queen Gertrude almost dies the king is basically just like "whoops, oh well". So much for love! The king is also very good at getting people to do what he wants, obviously he's king, but I also think he's pretty sneaky. The fact that he uses Hamlets best friends to spy on Hamlet for the king and queen is bad news! Overall, this play wouldn't be much without King Claudius!
I think that one of the most important characters in this play is Gertrude. The way she is depicted it is hard to tell whether or not she was a loyal and faithful wife to Hamlet or if she is a heartless woman. It is hard to determine whether or not she knew Claudius was responsible for Hamlet’s death or not. Her speaking parts are too ambiguous to tell. The part I am thinking of in particular is line 180- 185 in act 3 scene 2. She states “none wed the second but who kill’d the first” and “a second time I kill my husband when second husband kisses me in bed”. These lines seem to me she is almost admitting her guilt out loud and she is very well aware of how wring it was to marry Hamlet’s brother; although she pretends in earlier acts like it is not big deal that she married him. This is where her character became blurry to me. I think it was Shakespeare’s intention to confuse us in this manner. Another justification that I have for her being an accomplice to the murder was the representation of the play by the players. The play within this play mirrors the events that take place in the plot of the story. In the play within the play the queen is well aware of her husband’s murderer and allows herself to become seduced by him anyway. I think that this is another way for the audience to know what Gertrude’s real part in all this was. I think that Gertrude’s drinking of the poison could be a result of her guilt for Hamlet’s murder and the guilt of scheming behind her son’s back. If she would not have told the king about Polonius’ death then Hamlet would not have been sword fighting Laertes. So I do not think she drank the cup to toast Hamlet but drank it because she knew it was poisonous. This is why she was so adamant about drinking it even after the king’s mild warning. I agree with other classmates that Hamlet’s ghost is by far one of the most important figures in this play because without this central character the play would not be as interesting to an audience. The plays theme of madness is what makes it so unique and without this ghost I do not think that we could question Hamlet’s state of mind as much. The ghost pretty much drives him into madness and feels him with the obsession of getting revenge.
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I read the prompt I thought of Horatio as the most important secondary character. I agree with what Christie said about Horatio being the only person in the whole play that Hamlet Confides in, and I would just repeat her if I showed the evidence in the play for this. So I just want to comment on the relationship between Hamlet and Horatio. Hamlet and Horatio are like Batman and Robin, Sherlock and Watson, like (insert hero/sidekick duo here). Horatio sticks with Hamlet and is the only one of his friends who doesn’t sell out (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern) or skip town (Bernard and Marcellus [where did these guys go?!]).
ReplyDeleteHoratio is left with the overwhelming responsibility of “telling the tragic story”. This is a narrative element that is used a lot. The movie "300" used it. The guy with one eye at the end is telling the story of the battle to an army. "V for Vendetta" uses it as well. Evie is left to carry on the story of “V” and bring change to a country struggling under a harsh dictatorship. Heroes die and the sidekicks tell the story to make the heroes seem even more heroic. But hey, every hero needs a sidekick.
The Ghost defineitly wins my vote for best supporting actor. What a great character, you have so much to work with when 1. You're dead and 2. You can come back to haunt people.
ReplyDeleteThe Ghost is the driving force behind everyone's motives. Hamlet would not know his father was murdered, would not seek revenge, would not be crazy ( or seemingly crazy) if it weren't for the ghost.
A ghost can make people do all kinds of crazy things. Profession of love and hate, and even acts of murder are commited all because of this ghost and it's persuasive ways.
The ghost was by far my favorite which is why I choose Robert Downy Jr. in my previous post to play him. As you can see I have somewhat of an obsession...