Hamlet and Laertes, two of the three main/prominent young men in Hamlet (Fortinbras being the third) are each other's foil characters. This element created by Shakespeare helped the readers better understand the depth and mystery of their characters as they are indirectly compared and contrasted throughout the play. Hence, all striking similarities and sharply contrasted differences ... and are a result of his high morals and values (as presented in his 'to be or not to be' soliloquy), except when he is in a rage, in which he then acts spontaneously and impulsively as when he killed Polonius...

• Word Count: 777
• Approx Pages: 3
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Graduate