Claudius:
Claudius is the “Villain” in this murderous play. When Hamlet goes away to University Claudius takes his chance and poisons the king while he was asleep in the orchard using a vial of Hebbenon. Claudius persuades the Queen Gertrude to marry him. When he saw Hamlet’s shock and dislike to queen Gertrude’s new husband, he knew Hamlet was going to be nosy and cause trouble or even dig out the secrets of the King’s death. Claudius tried not to make it obvious that he did not want Hamlet there so he covered it up by sending Hamlet to London. Claudius knew that Hamlet had killed Polonius and told Laertes on his return from a distant country. Laertes was instantly angry and was even more raged when he found out Ophelia (his sister) had committed suicide. Now Claudius had Laertes “on his side” he could use him to kill Hamlet. He arranged for a friendly swordfight to happen between Laertes and Hamlet. To make sure that Laertes wins Claudius gave Laertes a poisoned sword. Claudius also had a poisoned drink ready just in case Hamlet still wins. Gertrude accidently drinks the wine which was meant to be a toast of luck to Hamlet and Gertrude died. Claudius comes across as a selfish person because he poisoned his own brother to get the Crown. Claudius is very selfish when he tries to convince Gertrude why Hamlet has gone to London. This states in the qoute,
Sweet Gertrude, leave us too;
For we have closely sent for Hamlet hither,
That he, as 'twere by accident, may here
Affront Ophelia:
Her father and myself, lawful espials,
Will so bestow ourselves that, seeing, unseen,
We may of their encounter frankly judge,
And gather by him, as he is behaved,
If 't be the affliction of his love or noThat thus he suffers for. (Hamlet Act III)
Sweet Gertrude, leave us too;
For we have closely sent for Hamlet hither,
That he, as 'twere by accident, may here
Affront Ophelia:
Her father and myself, lawful espials,
Will so bestow ourselves that, seeing, unseen,
We may of their encounter frankly judge,
And gather by him, as he is behaved,
If 't be the affliction of his love or noThat thus he suffers for. (Hamlet Act III)