The Importance of Polonius and Laertes in Hamlet In his play, Hamlet, William Shakespeare uses various elements to make the play more complex. These foils involve numerous characters that help develop different relationships and conflicts. Without these contrasting elements, relationships and conflicts would not exist and the game could not develop. They help us understand Hamlet's actions and bring diversity to the play. Polonius and Laertes are the main protagonists of Hamlet. Polonius shows how irrationally Hamlet thinks, and Laertes shows that Hamlet must pay for his actions, even though he is a king. This plot and conflict develop from the similarities and differences between Hamlet and the protagonists. Why are foils necessary to understand and develop the game? A foil is a minor character used to help develop or understand a major character. The foil must have similarities to the main character to create a bond with him. Even a foil needs to be different to show or distinguish something about the main character. The foil does not always have an active role. Sometimes the complement is simply someone the main character can talk to. This allows his ideas to reach the audience without a narrator; therefore, the sheet is a kind of support to help develop the role of the main character. Without a foil, there is no one to help develop or understand the main character; therefore his ideas cannot be revealed to the public. Polonius was a major obstacle for Hamlet. Polonius and Hamlet were similar in that they both loved Ophelia and tried to protect her. While Polonius died in the attempt, Hamlet encouraged her to go to a convent. Unfortunately she died anyway. Furthermore, Hamlet and Polonius both died trying to protect a woman. Polonius was trying to protect Ophelia from Hamlet, just as Hamlet was trying to protect his mother from Claudius. Both men were also loyal to a king: Polonius to Claudius and Hamlet to his father. Again both kings were killed. Polonius and Hamlet also had their differences. While Polonius was loyal to Claudius, Hamlet was not loyal or even respectful towards him. Hamlet knew that Claudius was a murderer and Polonius did not even suspect King Hamlet's death. Although they both died, the murders of Polonius and Hamlet were different. Hamlet's death was planned. Claudius unsuccessfully tried to make Hamlet drink poison. Laertes' attempt to kill Hamlet was successful by poisoning the blunt end of his foil. Polonius' death was an accident, as Hamlet planned to kill Claudius behind the tapestry. Polonius also helped develop and advance the plot that Hamlet was "mad." After speaking with Ophelia, Polonius discussed Hamlet's "madness" several times with Claudius. Without Polonius, Claudius would not have been so sure that Hamlet was "mad." [Cute] Also, Ophelia would have had no one to confide in about Hamlet's strange behavior. If Polonius had not been present in the play, Laertes' loyalty to his family would not have been as strong. [Nice observation] Also, Ophelia wouldn't have become so distraught over her father's death and therefore wouldn't have drowned. Polonius' death would not have created any conflict between Laertes and Hamlet. Laertes would have had no reason to avenge his father's death; therefore, he would not need to return to kill Hamlet. This conflict also makes Laertes a foil. Laertes and Hamlet were similar, in that both of their fathers had been killed. Both were trying to avenge the murders. Both men loved their families and were loyal to them, as demonstrated, 1996. 628-735.