Character Study: Hamlet
            
            
            
             Act 1
             We first meet Prince Hamlet in Act 1 Scene 2. Despite his position in Denmark, he is not presented as a strong character. His first words are an aside and clearly show his extreme lack of affection for Claudius. He is very much in a state of melancholy, still experiencing deep grief after the loss of his father, and at his mother's hasty remarriage to his uncle. His grief is real, and his first soliloquy highlights the extent of it. He talks of suicide, compares his father to Claudius, and speaks of his mother's marriage. He is focusing on past events and memories, indicating that he does not have a desire to move on from his grieving state.
             In his meeting with Horatio and Marcellus, Hamlet cannot hide his feelings towards the recent events in Denmark. It is clearly at the forefront of his mind. Upon learning of the appearance of the ghost he admits he is troubled and uneasy at this, but decides to see it for himself. Whilst waiting for the ghost to appear we get another glimpse of Hamlet's distaste for Claudius, saying he gives all the people of Denmark a bad name. The arrival of the ghost shows Hamlet's mixed feelings towards it, he is uncertain of its origin and purpose. Despite his uncertainty he follows it. His reason for ignoring his friends' warnings about the nature of the ghost is that he does not value his own life. This serves to further highlight his extreme depression and thoughts of suicide expressed earlier in the act.
             The ghost is that of the father of Hamlet, and it tells Hamlet the details of his death. Hamlet is also told that Claudius had seduced Gertrude before killing King Hamlet. At learning this Hamlet is devastated and agrees to get revenge. He tells nothing to Horatio and Marcellus of what he has heard, but does say that he may appear to act strangely.
             In Scene 3, Laertes and Ophelia talk about Hamlet, and his...