In classic works of literature all characters have certain flaws. In Shakespeare's tragedies the characters all have flaws that eventually lead to their undoing. In the play Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, the character of Ophelia is ultimately killed by her flaw. It is apparent that Ophelia is an obedient person through her thoughts and actions in the beginning of the play, but upon closer inspection, the audience sees that she is not merely obedient. Ophelia's thoughts and actions go beyond obedience to show that Ophelia is a weak and entirely dependent character.
             Ophelia's cruel actions towards Hamlet, which go against her feelings for him, demonstrate her obedience to her father. For example, in the beginning Ophelia tells her father that she likes Hamlet: "My lord, he hath importuned me with love/ In honorable fashion..."(1.3 118-119). By stating this to Polonius, she implies that Hamlet is a decent and honorable man and that she does have some feelings for him. Ophelia's later actions sacrifice these personal feelings under the order of her father, proving her complete obedience. In particular, Ophelia agrees not to see Hamlet anymore after the request from her father: "I shall obey, my lord..."(1.4 145). Ophelia's actions show that Polonius has complete control over his daughter because she sacrifices her personal feelings to please him. Ophelia's desire to please her father is the direct cause of her obedience. Thereafter, upon having agreed not to see Hamlet, Ophelia allows herself to be used as a puppet in order for the King and Polonius to spy on Hamlet: "Ophelia walk you here We will bestow ourselves..." (3.1 48-49). Ophelia has an inward desire to please others, even if it means displeasing herself, and her obedience stems from this. Ophelia's drastic actions must come from something other than obedience,
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