The play Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare is a classic tale featuring death, revenge, ambition, tragedy, lust, and deceit. The main character, Prince Hamlet, son of Old Hamlet who was recently murdered is contemplating whether or not to avenge his father's death and kill Claudius who is now king and also his uncle and the murderer. The whole play evokes a terrible tragic end in which everyone is slain. Foil characters are used to constantly compare the actions of Hamlet and the possible actions of other characters if they were put in his situation. This helps makes Hamlet's character more three-dimensional and makes it more appealing to the audience. With this, we can even compare ourselves to Hamlet, helping the play to be universal. Foil characters add psychological depth to the play and the link of Hamlet to that of a Renaissance man and furthering himself helps us to understand the nature of Hamlet. In addition to addressing possible Renaissance characteristics in Hamlet, we can find elements of a medieval morality play teaching us how to live well.

Perhaps one of Hamlet's most obvious foil characters is Fortinbras. Like Hamlet, Fortinbras is also a

However, in Act 4 Scene 4, Hamlet reflects on a sick society when he learns of Fortinbras' attempt to capture worthless land from Poland. But seeing Fortinbras' army in front of him, he criticises his delay in revenging his father's death. Hamlet believes he thinks too much and that is probably right. This is one reason why he hasn’t killed Claudius yet. In one of Hamlet's soliloquies on page 169, lines 32 - 48, he berates himself. He is angered that he keeps thinking about the consequences of killing his uncle, as that in itself is a sin. He is angry that he lets his emotions in the way of his duty and he does believe it is his duty to acquire revenge on behalf of his father. ''Sith I have cause, and will, and strength, and means'' (line 45, Act 4 Scene 4). This quotation from Hamlet states that he has a cause and a purpose now. He has the strength and will power to do this. I think that knowing this enrages himself even more. However, being enraged does not make Hamlet act like Fortinbras, rather he encourages himself to set his mind on avenging his father. It has now become his destiny and he knows it - ''My thoughts be bloody or worth nothing.'' (Line 66 Act 4 Scene 4).

To conclude with Laertes, he has the short temper of Fortinbras but not the intelligence and emotion of Hamlet. Laertes' flaws are that he is so easy to manipulate and his anger gets the better of him. However, he can be seen as magnanimous because he asks for forgiveness from Hamlet as he is dying.

Near the end of Hamlet's soliloquy, his self-affliction fades. He finally sets his mind on killing Claudius - ''my thoughts be bloody or be worth nothing''. This quote sets in stone that talking is not as effective as actions and he has had enough of thinking about killing Claudius and it is time to act.

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