William Shakespeare, one of the greatest playwrights of all time, is known for his complex and impressive characters. Out of all the characters, Hamlet stands out for being one of the most complex and unreadable characters in Shakespeare's plays. While Hamlet is often remembered to be a tragic hero, it can be debated, since many of his actions puts him on the list of Shakespeare's greatest villains. I will explain how Hamlet shows villainous attributes, analyze his actions and aims, and compare him to other Shakespearean villains. Hamlet, one of Shakespeare's most renowned plays, and it revolves around the titular character's desire for revenge against his uncle, Claudius, who not only murdered his father but also married his mother. While Claudius is commonly seen as the main antagonist, there is an ongoing debate since Hamlet himself exhibits …show more content…
According to Delabastita (2021), Hamlet is distinct from other villains in his indecisiveness and self-doubt. Unlike Richard III, who is confident in his villainous actions, Hamlet spends much of the play questioning and second-guessing himself. Similarly, Iago from Othello is a more straightforward villain who actively manipulates those around him. Hamlet, on the other hand, is often the victim of manipulation and struggles to assert his agency. Despite these differences, Hamlet shares some commonalities with other Shakespearean villains. Like Macbeth, Hamlet's actions have far-reaching consequences and lead to the deaths of those around him. Additionally, Hamlet's obsession with revenge, like that of Shylock in The Merchant of Venice, ultimately consumes him. In conclusion, Hamlet is a unique Shakespearean villain who stands out from others in his introspection and self-doubt. However, he also shares some commonalities with other villains in his tragic fate and the consequences of his