The Function of Characters

Perhaps even more than in novels, complex characters are essential to drama. Whereas novels can have long descriptions of settings, philosophical tangents, and other digressions, plays consistently rely upon characters and their relationships for their overall effect.

Image note: This lithograph depicts the moment in Hamlet when the gravedigger shows Hamlet and Horatio the skull of Hamlet's former teacher, Yorick. Hamlet intones, "Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio."

Complex Characters

Drama often showcases complex characters, and a prime illustration of this complexity can be found in William Shakespeare's timeless play, Hamlet. The titular character, Prince Hamlet, is multifaceted, grappling with inner conflicts, doubts, and a profound sense of melancholy. His internal struggles are evident in his soliloquies, such as the famous "To be or not to be" speech, where he contemplates life's existential questions.

Additionally, the supporting characters, like Claudius, Ophelia, and Polonius, contribute to the intricate web of relationships and motivations, adding layers to the overall narrative and highlighting the depth of human nature within the dramatic context.

Character Relationships

Previously in the course, we have sought to establish ways of addressing character complexity, specifically as it applied to the novels we read in the previous Long Fiction module. While maintaining the existing template, there is an opportunity to enhance it by delving into character relationships.

Instead of solely focusing on the complexity within one character, the analysis can now explore deeper dimensions by emphasizing interactions between characters. An adjusted template could read as follows:

"The relationship between ____________ and __________ can be seen as ____________ yet ____________ because _____________."

Applying this template to Hamlet, one might create a statement such as:

"The relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia can be seen as intimate yet strained because Hamlet is intentionally deceiving her, although he still appears to long for her affection."

This is only a template; remember that as long as you mention more than one aspect of two characters’ relationship, then you are approaching a complex relationship. Expanding the character complexity template to involve two characters enables the essay to not only elucidate the intricacies between them but also to explore the tensions inherent in their relationships.

Practice Activity

Match the character name with the character. Notice that all the descriptions of the character relationships are comparisons with Hamlet.

Reflection

In conclusion, the intricate character relationships in Hamlet exemplify the depth and richness that drama can achieve. Through complex interactions, Shakespeare delves into the nuances of human emotions, power dynamics, and the consequences of betrayal. This exploration not only enhances the narrative of Hamlet but also underscores the broader significance of complex character relationships in drama, serving as a testament to the timeless and universal nature of these intricate human connections.

[CC BY-NC-SA 4.0] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION - INTENDED ONLY FOR USE WITHIN LESSON.