A Compare/Contrast of Hamlet through his foils - Laertes, Fortinbras and Horatio.

<Tab/>It is without doubt that William Shakespeare has created many unique, thought - provoking characters. Hamlet is by far Shakespeare's most compelling character. In Shakespeare's play Hamlet, various character traits, exhibited by Hamlet, can be seen through his foils. Similarities with Hamlet and Horatio's education, as well as their levels, can be drawn. However, Hamlet's character is in constant change and even philosophical. Fortinbras, without question encompasses many of Hamlet's …

…terms of their nobility and constant moods. Fortinbras and Hamlet share lineage and nobility but are different in terms of aggressiveness and philosophical nature, or lack there of. Laertes and Hamlet are both impulsive, good with sneaky male parentage. They differ in terms of their nobility and even irrational thinking. Hamlet is Shakespeare's most loved character. However, he is a combination of other characters. Thus he is not as truly unique, as one initially perceived.