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The Importance Of Foils In Shakespeare's Hamlet

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In William Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, there are foil characters to the main protagonist of the story, Hamlet. Foil characters are secondary characters who contrast the main character of the story in order to emphasize certain traits or characteristics of the protagonist. In the play, Hamlet has two foils, Laertes and Prince Fortinbras, who both contrast some of Hamlet’s character traits in order to highlight their importance to the events of the play. The foil characters reveal to both the audience and Hamlet the difference between his mentality and actions to that of Fortinbras and Laertes’. Act 4 underlines the main differences between Hamlet and his foils; the foils inspire Hamlet to take his own course of action and avenge his father’s death. In the play, it is very easy for the audience to notice the contrasting mentalities between Hamlet and his foils. Throughout the play, the audience witnesses Hamlet shy away from seeking revenge on his father’s murderer, and instead talks himself out of proceeding with his deed. Laertes is completely different in regards to taking revenge. He hears the news of his father’s death and immediately returns from France to avenge the murder of his father. …show more content…

To add to the foil of Hamlet with Laertes is the Prince of Norway, Fortinbras, who has a similar story to that of Hamlet. Hamlets father had killed King Fortinbras, father of Prince Fortinbras, in battle to seize all of his land. Prince Fortinbras wishes to avenge his father’s death and reclaim the land he lost, similarly to Hamlet wanting to take the life of Claudius and reclaim his heir to the throne and his land. However, there is a major difference between Fortinbras and Hamlet, and that is their willingness to complete their task at hand. Hamlet wishes he had the same drive and determination as Fortinbras does. In his soliloquy in Act 4, Hamlet

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After the death of his father, Laertes becomes consumed with anger and willing to do whatever it takes to avenge his father's death. He bargains with Claudius, hoping to use his loyalty to gain the power to take revenge. Laertes falls into depression as he realizes the consequences of his actions, ultimately leading to his tragic end. Laertes' story shows how grief can drive individuals to extremes as they seek justice for their loss. "Exchange forgiveness with me, noble Hamlet; Mine and my father's death come not upon thee, Nor thine on me."

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A Deeper Analysis on Character Foils of Hamlet in Hamlet Character foils often allow the reader to better understand a protagonist’s personality and desires. In the play, Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, Horatio, Claudius, and Laertes are exemplar character foils for the protagonist, Hamlet, and under further examination, the play suggests that these character foils help the reader to really resonate with Hamlet and depict the contrasts and similarities between Hamlet and other characters in the play. These character foils are important and significant in highlighting another character’s flaws and traits in which they may not have, compared to another character in the play. To begin with, Horatio plays a huge role in being the character foil for Hamlet.

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However, continuing with Hamlet’s incessant need for vengeance, the actions and drastic measures he takes in order to achieve such certainty are both incredibly genius and rightfully insane. Despite his methods and lack of will to act until he is absolutely positive with his facts, Hamlet proves that his way is the best way. Although Hamlet had numerous opportunities to act upon his revenge, he waited until he was absolutely sure of his suspicions, even when he could have easily retributed in his own controlled environment. Unlike many other named characters, Hamlet did not let outside sources sway his perception and perspective on the situation. For example, Laertes had insisted that nothing could be said or done in order for him to change his mind on acting upon his own vengeance, yet Claudius’ words had done just that, and Laertes ended up paying the price when he was killed upon his own poisoned sword.

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