Secondary Characters in Hamlet
The Role of Secondary Characters
Secondary characters in Hamlet serve as crucial mirrors and foils to the main characters, particularly Hamlet himself. They help illuminate the central themes of the play while providing different perspectives on the main conflict.
NoteSecondary characters often reveal important information about main characters through their interactions and parallel storylines.
Key Secondary Characters
Horatio
Horatio stands as Hamlet's most trusted friend and confidant, representing rationality and loyalty throughout the play.
"Give me that man / That is not passion's slave, and I will wear him / In my heart's core, ay, in my heart of heart"
Key characteristics:
- Educated and logical
- Loyal to a fault
- Serves as Hamlet's sounding board
- Survives to tell Hamlet's story
Pay attention to how Horatio's steady nature contrasts with Hamlet's emotional turbulence.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern
These childhood friends turned unwitting spies represent:
- The corruption of friendship
- Political manipulation
- The dangers of blind loyalty to authority
"They are not near my conscience"Common Mistake
Don't view Rosencrantz and Guildenstern as purely villainous characters - they're more complex victims of circumstance.
Fortinbras
As a parallel character to Hamlet, Fortinbras represents:
- Active leadership
- Military prowess
- Decisive action
"For by his death he has my voice for Norway"Note
Fortinbras serves as both a foil and potential role model for Hamlet, showing what decisive action looks like.
