A character is defined as a “fictional representation of a person” (230). A strong character is essential in literary fiction, especially in a genre of writing such as short story where the author has a limited amount of time to tell a story. The authors’ goal is often to create a realistic depiction of a person; one that will keep readers engaged and drives the momentum of the plot. In every story-but more specifically a short story- the protagonist is the catalyst for the plot. Authors use many different types of character classifications such as round, flat, stick, dynamic, or static.to build an interesting story.
Sometimes characters represent more than the reader may think. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, tells the story of a wealthy man, Jay Gatsby, and his love for Daisy. Throughout the novel, many characters are brought up. On the surface, they seem almost unimportant, but after reading through the story it is made known that each of these people can represent different archetypes. Archetypes are perfect examples or perfect models of something.
Archetypes: The Key to all Literature Characters, almost every book there is has at least one, though there are some repeating of character types or characteristics that they might share. This is called an archetype, it’s basically a typical character or an action/situation that represents patterns of human nature. An archetype could also be a universal symbol, a theme, or it could even be a setting. Overall, to better understand literature, one must be able to recognize archetypes.
In Shakespeare's many writings he likes to use dramatic patterns, one is foil characters. These characters can be two or more different characters that have similar overall traits but have one diverging difference that sets them apart from each other. In Hamlet, Hamlet has many foil characters for his many character flaws. Fortinbras and Laertes foil Hamlet, displaying his flaws to the point where Hamlet himself becomes aware of his own flaws. Claudius, however, foils Hamlets showing a good characteristic that Hamlet had taken too far and ushered him to his death.
He is a complex character whose personality traits are evidently shown by the characters surrounding him. Most play writers utilize foils to help the audience understand the meaning of the play or the different motivations of the characters in the play. Foils are minor characters that have similarities and differences with the main character and serve to highlight major characteristics of that character.
What is a Man? The play Hamlet by William Shakespeare is a tragedy that features Hamlet the prince of Denmark. He does not fit into the ideal of a man in Elizabethan times this is shown repeatedly throughout the play. In this play Hamlet’s progression as a character is shown in each of his soliloquies as he offers insight into his decisions this shows us a depth to the avenging hero archetype, as most characters in the archetype are consumed by revenge and focus on solely on retribution.
To be a foil character, one must “contrast with other characters in order to highlight particular qualities of the other characters.” Throughout Hamlet, four prominent characters are foil characters to Hamlet: Laertes, Fortinbras, Horatio and Claudius. In many cases, Hamlet and the foil characters react differently for each other in varying situations but yet show similarities in their reactions. The relationship created between Hamlet and Laertes takes a shift from the beginning of the book towards the end.
Over Thinking and Its Effects On Society Everyone has flaws and flaws are great to have as it increases diversity, but sometimes flaws some flaws can lead to destruction. In the story of Macbeth the tragic flaw of unchecked ambition that created a monstrous Macbeth and multiple murders of innocent people, leading to Macbeth’s unruly power and greed. While in the story of Hamlet the tragic flaw of overthinking and Hamlet’s procrastination resulted in a domino effect of unnecessary deaths because he was unable to think quickly and follow through with his plan. The flaw of over thinking and inaction results in a world where no one can accomplish what needs to be done and our world can no longer progress at a faster rate.
Hamlet is William Shakespeare 's renowned tale of mystery, intrigue, and murder, centered on a young misguided prince who can only trust himself. Some may say that the actions of Prince Hamlet throughout the play are weak and fearful, displaying a tendency to procrastinate and showing an apathetic nature towards his family and peers. Others spin a tale of a noble young scholar, driven mad by the cold-blooded murder of his father by his uncle. In truth, I believe Hamlet is neither of these things. Hamlet is a sort of amalgamation of the two, a bundle of contradictions thrown together into one conflicting but very human mess of a character.
Jan-Erik Aavik IB English HL B. Raid 04.11.2016 Written Task 2 Outline: Part of the course to which the task refers: Part 3 Literature - text and context Title of the text for analysis: Hamlet, William Shakespeare 1599
Over the course of Hamlet, many of the main characters engage in role play as a mechanism to achieve their own interests. Prince Hamlet is one of these characters, and his act proves to be one of the most important aspects of the play. Throughout the play, role-play (especially Hamlet’s) significantly affects the plot, and ultimately strains the relationships between several characters. Hamlet is among one of the most important characters to engage in role play. In act one, scene 5, shortly after being told that Claudius killed his father, Hamlet tells Horatio and Marcellus that he plans to feign madness, and he says, “As I, perchance, hereafter shall think meet to put an antic disposition
“Something is rotten in the state of Denmark” (I.v.90). Hamlet is about a young prince who is mourning the loss of his father. He then tries to seek revenge on his uncle Claudius because he poisoned his father. Throughout the play Hamlet’s behavior starts to change which causes him to become mad. The theory about all this is a Psychological Approach.
Through the entirety of the play “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare, the characters were overcome with the need for revenge as the outcome of many deaths. Therefore, no one was happy through “Hamlet” and it resulted in a tragedy. The character Hamlet played a big role in turning towards revenge and never would classify himself as being happy. Hamlet displays positive and negative behavior throughout the play. Hamlet exhibits strengths and weaknesses as well, although his weaknesses of over-thinking, bitterness, and his inability to accept the death of his father overshadow his strengths.
Williams Shakespeare is recognized as the greatest English writer. One of his best works ever written is “Hamlet”, which is the most complex, confusing, and frequently performed play. The extreme complexity of the main character – prince Hamlet in this play contributes to its popularity until today. “Hamlet is supposedly the most quoted figure in Western culture after Jesus, maybe the most charismatic too” (Bloom 384). In the most famous revenge tragedy, his biggest weakness that he procrastinates completing his revenge for his father’s death by killing the murderer.
Hamlet is a very diverse character that goes through several different emotional stages throughout the novel. Some think that he is depressed because of his father’s death, and some think that his breakup with Ophelia has made him go mad. Though Hamlet does seem out of control at times, it is because he is keeping a secret about his father’s death. The average person does not usually deal with the death of their parent well, and knowing that it was intentional makes Hamlet even more emotionally unstable. From the beginning of the novel, Hamlet proves to be very melancholy, and upset with his life.
