The character of Ophelia in Hamlet In Shakespeare's play, Hamlet, the character of Ophelia plays an important role in developing the plot. She is in a healthy state of mind at first, in love with Hamlet, but controlled by her father. During the play she has several troubling experiences involving Hamlet, which cause her distress. The death of Ophelia's father leaves her mentally unstable and in a state of madness that will ultimately lead to her death. The mutual love between Ophelia and Hamlet begins as a very real experience. Hamlet is very attracted to Ophelia's beauty and falls in love with her. However, Ophelia is very controlled by her father, Polonius, a highly respected individual who is King Claudius' chief advisor. Her father asks her to tell Hamlet that she can no longer be with him. I would not, to put it plainly, henceforth have you so vilified in any free moment as to give words or talk to the Lord Hamlet. charge you. Come your way (I.iii.139-142). It is clear that Polonius is making decisions for his daughter here, without regard for her feelings. Ophelia is used to relying on her father's guidance and was raised to be obedient to his commands. He is unable to question his father's wishes and, because of this, is never able to develop emotional strength and stability. All he can answer is, "I will obey, my lord" (I.iii.143). Ophelia's brother Laertes gives her no support as he agrees with what their father says. He tells Ophelia that Hamlet is no good for her. For Hamlet, and the foolishness of his favor, consider it a fashion, and a toy in the blood; A violet in early youth...... middle of paper .. .... like hers, doesn't have the tools needed to deal with the stresses of life. Sources cited and consulted: Boklund, Gunnar. "Hamlet." Essays on Shakespeare. Ed. Gerald Chapmann. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1965. Jorgensen, Paul A. "Hamlet." William Shakespeare: the tragedies. Boston: Twayne Publ., 1985. Page no. http://www.freehomepages.com/hamlet/other/jorg-hamlet.htmlPennington, Michael. "Ophelia: madness is her only safe refuge." Readings on Hamlet. Ed. Don Nardò. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1999. Rpt. of "Hamlet": a user's guide. New York: Limelight Editions, 1996. Pitt, Angela. "Women in Shakespeare's Tragedies." Readings on tragedies. Ed. Clarice Swisher. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1996. Reprint of Shakespeare's Women. Np: np, 1981.Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Ed. Silvano Barnet. New York: Classic Seal, 1998