Foils of HamletIn the classic comedy Hamlet by William Shakespeare is a play that has and will test time. [SS - 1] In this work there are many characters who contribute as complements. A foil is a minor character in a literary work who, through similarities and differences in what he or she does (compared to a more major character) or simply by being there for another character to talk to, helps the audience to understand something more. important character. [SS - 1] There are many contrasts with the main character, Hamlet. Some of these main character complements include Hamlet and Ophelia, Hamlet and Horatio and [sic]There are many reasons why Ophelia is a complement to Hamlet. If Ophelia wasn't in the play, Hamlet wouldn't have a love and there wouldn't really be a love story in the play. They are both basically of the same social class and the same age. Even though [sic] Hamlet is a prince, Ophelia is close to him in social class because she is the daughter of Polonius, the king's advisor. Both belong to the upper class. They both love each other. On the other hand, some differences are that Hamlet is male and Ophelia is female. Hamlet is also a little crazier than Ophelia. Ophelia's importance in the story is to have love for Hamlet and to have Hamlet speak to someone in a loving way. This is why Ophelia is a foil to Hamlet. [How does "Hamlet's speaking to someone lovingly" relate to the theme of the play (or characterization of Hamlet)?] Another opposing element of Hamlet is Horatio. Some similarities between Hamlet and Horatio are that they are the same age and the same social class. Other similarities are that they are study buddies and basically best friends. In the entire play there is no one closer to Hamlet than Horatio, probably because they are such good friends. In the play Hamlet talks to Horatio the most, which is why he is considered one of his antagonists. Some differences are that Horatio is sane and Hamlet is considered mad. Basically, that's the only difference between the two. Horatio's importance in the play is that he is the best friend that Hamlet can turn to to talk about what is going on in his life..