Other Characters (Grade 12 NSC Matric English HL): Revision Notes
Other Characters
Polonius
Polonius represents one of the most politically cunning characters in the play. His willingness to manipulate his own daughter, Ophelia, demonstrates the darker side of his personality and shows how far he will go to achieve political advantage.
Key character traits:
- Manipulative nature: Uses Ophelia as a political tool, revealing his corrupt moral compass
- Political ambition: Willing to sacrifice family relationships for personal gain
- Catalyst for tragedy: His death, arranged by Hamlet, becomes a turning point that drives the play towards its final dramatic conclusion
Dual role in the play: Polonius serves both comedic and political functions within Hamlet:
- Comic relief: His verbose speeches and long-winded delivery provide moments of humour
- Political commentary: His use of proverbs and elaborate language highlights the superficial nature of court politics
- Contrast to Hamlet: While Hamlet engages in deep philosophical reflexion, Polonius offers shallow, conventional wisdom
This contrast emphasises the difference between genuine introspection and superficial cynicism, making Polonius an effective foil to the protagonist.
Laertes
Laertes functions as both a parallel and contrast to Hamlet throughout the play. His character demonstrates what happens when someone acts on impulse rather than careful consideration.
Character development: Laertes begins as a character defined by negative traits:
- Recklessness: Acts without thinking through consequences
- Ruthlessness: Willing to use dishonourable means to achieve his goals
- Immaturity: Lacks the wisdom to see through manipulation
- Shallow thinking: Easily influenced by others, particularly Claudius
Character Comparison: Revenge Approaches
Laertes' approach: Quick to act, driven by emotion and impulse
- Immediately seeks violent retribution
- Accepts Claudius's manipulation without question
- Chooses dishonourable means (poisoned sword)
Hamlet's approach: Thoughtful, morally complex, filled with hesitation
- Contemplates the ethics of revenge
- Questions the ghost's authenticity
- Struggles with moral implications
The consequence: Laertes' unwavering commitment to vengeance contrasts sharply with Hamlet's more intricate moral struggle
Character transformation: Towards the play's conclusion, Laertes undergoes significant change:
- Recognition of wrongdoing: Acknowledges his wicked actions against Hamlet
- Repentance: Shows genuine remorse for his behaviour
- Seeking forgiveness: Attempts to make amends before his death
This transformation highlights themes of redemption and moral growth within the tragedy.
Horatio
Horatio represents stability and rationality in a play filled with madness and corruption. He serves as Hamlet's most trusted companion and provides a moral anchor throughout the drama.
Role as confidant:
- Unwavering loyalty: Remains faithful to Hamlet despite the dangerous circumstances
- Clear thinking: Offers rational perspective when others are consumed by emotion
- Trustworthy nature: Becomes the person Hamlet relies upon most completely
Contrast with supernatural elements: Horatio's sceptical and rational nature becomes particularly important when dealing with the play's supernatural aspects:
- Cautious approach: Unlike Hamlet's immediate acceptance, Horatio advises caution regarding the ghost
- Voice of reason: Warns Hamlet to be wary of supernatural claims
- Rational thinking: Approaches mysterious events with logical analysis
Recognition of deception: Horatio's rationality extends to his ability to identify dishonesty and manipulation within the court:
- Detecting treachery: Quick to recognise Claudius's deceitful nature
- Protective instinct: Uses his insights to help safeguard Hamlet
His character emphasises the importance of friendship, trust, and rational thought in a corrupt environment.
The Ghost of King Hamlet
The Ghost serves as the driving force behind the play's central conflict and introduces key themes that resonate throughout the tragedy.
Initial presentation: When first introduced in Act I, Scene V, the Ghost is described as appearing more sorrowful than angry, which establishes the emotional tone of his mission and creates sympathy for his plight.
Motivation and purpose: The Ghost's primary concern centres on achieving justice:
- Seeking retribution: Wants Hamlet to avenge his murder
- Restoring order: Desires the return of rightful rule to Denmark
- Moral duty: Represents the obligation to correct wrongs and restore justice
Thematic significance: The Ghost's revelations about Claudius's crime introduce several major themes:
- Corruption: Exposes the moral decay within the royal court
- Power's corrupting influence: Shows how political ambition leads to murder and treachery
- Justice vs revenge: Raises questions about the morally correct response to wrongdoing
Psychological impact: The Ghost's interactions with Hamlet contribute significantly to the prince's mental state:
- Growing obsession: Hamlet becomes increasingly fixated on revenge
- Question of sanity: The Ghost's presence raises doubts about what is real versus imagined
- Moral complexity: Forces consideration of whether the Ghost represents Hamlet's inner turmoil or external supernatural compulsion
The Ghost's presence throughout the play reinforces themes of madness, revenge, and moral responsibility, making it a crucial element in understanding the tragedy's deeper meanings.
Key Points to Remember:
- Polonius serves as a manipulative political figure whose death becomes the catalyst for the play's tragic conclusion
- Laertes acts as both parallel and contrast to Hamlet, showing impulsive revenge versus thoughtful hesitation
- Horatio provides rational stability and unwavering loyalty in a corrupt and chaotic environment
- The Ghost introduces the central conflict and drives the themes of justice, revenge, and moral responsibility
- Character contrasts help illuminate Hamlet's complexity and the play's central themes about action, morality, and corruption