In the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare two characters, Hamlet and Laertes, both seek to revenge their murdered fathers. The source of their conflict can be attributed to the differences in Laertes and Hamlets' personalities, which directs their approaches into seeking revenge quite differently. Hamlet, with his passive and scheming approach, manages to kill his father's murderer, King Claudius. Laertes, with his direct and forceful dedication, slays his father's killer, Prince Hamlet. This is a definite recipe for tragedy, especially when you add into the equation the love they both had for Ophelia.
             Laertes is more aggressive and fast acting than the melancholy Hamlet. Laertes actions are more physical. As a result of Laertes' speculation, he instinctively moves to avenge Polonius' death. "To hell, allegiance! Vows, to the blackest devil! Conscience and grace, to the profoundest pit! I dare damnation. To this point I stand, that both the worlds I give to negligence, let come what comes, only I'll be revenged most thoroughly for my father." Act 4 Scene 5 lines 133-137 provide insight into Laertes' mind, displaying his desire for revenge at any cost. Fury and frustration incite Laertes' imprudent actions. Sudden anger prompts Laertes to act spontaneously, giving little thought to the consequences of his actions.
             Hamlets' actions prove to be more passive than Laertes. The death of Hamlet's father and the hasty, incestuous remarriage of his mother to his uncle throws Hamlet into a suicidal frame of mind in which "the uses of this world" seem to him "weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable" (1.2.132-133). Though his faith in the value of life has been destroyed by this double confrontation with death and human infidelity, he feels powerless to effect any change in this new reality. All he can do in this frustrated state is lash out with bitter s...