How does Shakespeare use foil characters in his play Hamlet? ... Foil characters are used to constantly compare the actions of Hamlet and the possible actions of other characters if they were put in his situation. ... Perhaps one of Hamlet's most obvious foil characters is Fortinbras. ... Foil characters are a comparison of a good and flawed personality. ... We can diagnose the qualities of the foil characters which help us appreciate the qualities of Hamlet the foil characters have negative attributes which makes Hamlet look more magnanimous. ...

• Word Count: 1548
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

Hamlet's supposed two friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, are sent to learn more of Hamlet's motives, when King Claudius suspects Hamlet is plotting against him. ... The character foils of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are two of the court's ambassadors, Cornilius and Voltimand. ... Voltimand and Cornilius are the true character foils of Guildenstern and Rosencrantz shown through their actions and words. ... Voltimand and Cornilius prove to be true character foils of the deceitful duo of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. ... Guildenstern and Rosencrantz play up the pureness and ...

• Word Count: 1487
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

In fact, it is believed that the theme of revenge is also one of the more complicated themes because of whom it involves and how it is brought about by the characters that desire it. The characters of whom I speak of are Fortinbras, son of the late King Fortinbras, prince of Norway; Laertes, son of the late Polonius (Lord Chamberlain to the King) and brother to the late Ophelia; and Hamlet, son of the late King Hamlet, prince of Denmark. ... It is not, however, and Laertes suggests the poisoning of his foils to further guarantee his vengeance... When the time of the duel arrives, while he doe...

• Word Count: 2387
• Approx Pages: 10
• Grade Level: High School