Identify a hero, heroine or villain from a play you have studied - Junior Cycle English - Question 1 - 2011

Hamlet's struggle with the moral implications of revenge defines him as a tragic hero. He is faced with avenging his father's murder, which presents a significant moral quandary. His famous soliloquy, 'To be, or not to be,' reflects his contemplation of life, death, and duty. This indecision ultimately leads to his tragic demise, further solidifying his role as a hero who is fundamentally flawed but deeply relatable.

Throughout the play, Hamlet's philosophical reflections and reluctance to act hastily contrast with the more decisive actions of other characters, such as Claudius. His ability to evoke sympathy, coupled with his tragic fate, underscores his status as a hero. The audience witnesses his decline from an intelligent and contemplative prince to a tortured soul consumed by vengeance, reflecting a deep emotional journey that resonates powerfully with the audience.