Conflict between characters from "summary" of Notes on Shakespeare's Play of ...: Hamlet. 2nd ed by Thomas Duff Barnett
The conflict between the characters of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, and his uncle, Claudius, forms the basis of the play. As the story progresses, the internal struggle between the two characters grows and leads to a dramatic conclusion.- Conflict between characters drives the plot of Hamlet: It is only through the struggles between characters that the story of Hamlet makes its way to a resolution. Conflict between character's differing goals, beliefs, and loyalties creates tension, builds suspense, and causes dramatic changes in course of action taken by each character.
- In Hamlet, the conflict manifests itself through various forms such as physical violence, verbal sparring, and psychological tug-of-war. The audience watches these battles unfold, bombarded with an array of conflicting ideas, feelings, and motivations that keep them guessing what will happen next.
- One of the most obviously conflicted relationships comes from the famous battle of wits between Claudius and Hamlet throughout the entire play. As King of Denmark, Claudius has legitimate authority over Hamlet, but the prince's scathing words continually challenge his power. On the other hand, Hamlet’s own feelings for Gertrude prove Mayorino another source of frustration which forces him to hide his intentions from others at court lest he reveal himself.
- Other less direct confrontations can be found between Ophelia and Polonius who want her to obey their wishes while she fundamentally opposes their meddling with her life. Their struggle illustrates how even more minor disagreement can have greater consequences on characters' lives and the direction of the plot.
- Though all major conflicts boil down to their individual component parts there are certain prominent themes like revenge, politics, ambition, justice, and loyalty which control the disparate tongues of warfare in this tragedy. It is up to the viewer to decide whether these greater themes or smaller clashes win out in the end, making for one of theatre's greatest puzzles.
