Laertes is a foil to Hamlet. Unlike Hamlet he does not reflect upon the task at hand, which is avenging his father's murder. He does not think about whether it is morally correct to conspire with the king, Claudius, to kill Hamlet for revenge. Fortenbras could also be considered a foil to Hamlet because he is just the opposite of Hamlet when it comes to decisions and following them through. B.Gene apex ;)
Laertes is the brother of Ophelia, and a moderately important character who is a direct character foil of Hamlet. He is motivated by passion, while Hamlet is motivated by reason. He is also the son of Polonius.
Laertes is, in a way, doubly Hamlet's foil since he not only kills Hamlet (can't get more foil-ish than that!), but he does so with a foil - a fencing sword - pun intended or not.
A tragic foil is a character in a literary work whose qualities contrast with another character, typically the protagonist, to highlight particular traits or themes. This contrasting character often experiences a downfall or tragedy themselves, emphasizing the central character's tragic flaws or fate. By juxtaposing their experiences and choices, the tragic foil enhances the emotional depth and moral lessons within the narrative. An example of this can be seen in Shakespeare's "Hamlet," where Laertes serves as a foil to Hamlet, illustrating different responses to grief and revenge.
The character named Horatio in Hamlet is a dynamic character.
An antagonist is the person, or thing acting against the protagonist, or hero. It does not have to be the same species as the protagonist, or even alive at all. The foil always is. The foil, is a character who has contrasting/complementary characteristics to the protagonist. It's easiest to think of Hamlet, and realize that although King Claudius was the antagonist, it was Laertes who played the foil. The foil can be the antagonist, or a side kick, or anywhere in between.
I dont get it
A foil is a character that highlights the qualities of another character through contrast.
The character Fortinbraz in Hamlet is a minor character and considered a static character.
Literary foil is when two characters are very different and their differences help characterize them.For example, Hamlet and Horatio are foils. Hamlet is very indecisive and Horatio is decisive. Horatio being indecisive helps the reader realize that Hamlet is indecisive.
I think Claudius was a bad character because he killed King Hamlet, Prince Hamlet's father.
In Shakespeare's "Hamlet," Fortinbras represents a decisive and action-oriented foil to Hamlet's indecision and introspection. While Hamlet grapples with existential questions and moral dilemmas, Fortinbras is characterized by his willingness to pursue his goals with determination and clarity. The Hamlet that Fortinbras describes, one who is resolved and proactive, contrasts sharply with the Hamlet we've known, who often delays action and is consumed by his internal struggles. This juxtaposition highlights Hamlet's tragic flaws and the potential for leadership that remains unfulfilled in his character.