Maximus was wounded prior to his fight and Commodus used a knife when the two were fighting hand to hand. Both Maximus and Hamlet die at the end because they are both tragic heroes. Hamlet's inability to act and his character trait of thinker versus man of action prolong his revenge and lead to his death, where Maximus' loyalty to Marcus Aurelius and his family led to his death. Hamlet even acknowledges his tragic flaw, when he sees Fortinbras' men and says: "Now whether it be Bestial oblivion, or some craven scruple Why yet I live to say, "this thing's to do,"" (Act 4, Scene 4, lines 38-43). Hamlet is criticizing himself for not being able to take action and is only able to communicate his true feelings. He is also comparing himself to Fortinbras' men, who are willing to take action, no matter the circumstances. Both protagonists carry out the instructions given to them by the previous ruler before death and restore order to the state. However, Hamlet and Maximus' revenge plots could not have happened without help from people they trusted. .
Another similarity between Maximus and Hamlet is that they have a similar interaction with friends and family. Both of these characters are very close and loyal to their father figure. Hamlet shows his loyalty to his father when he says: "And thy commandment all alone shall live/ Within the book and volume of my brain"" (Act 1, Scene 5, lines 103-104). He is stating that avenging his father's death will be his only thought and his main priority. Maximus's father figure is Marcus Aurelius, the former ruler of the Roman Empire. To Marcus, Maximus was the son he never had. He had so much faith in Maximus that he entrusted the future of Rome as a republic to him, rather than giving it to Commodus. As a result, Maximus carries out Marcus' final wishes by killing Commodus and making Rome a republic. Hamlet and Maximus also had friends who were willing to risk their lives to assist the revenge plot.
