The complex character of Shakespeare's Hamlet After examining Shakespeare's characters in this play, Hamlet turns out to be a very complex character and functions as a key element for the development of the 'work. Throughout the play we see the many different aspects of Hamlet's personality by observing his actions and responses to certain situations. Hamlet takes on the role of a strong character, but through his internal weaknesses we witness his destruction. In the play's opening, Hamlet is confronted by the ghost of his father and is told to avenge his "hideous and unnatural murder." Later, however, Hamlet begins to doubt the ghost. Then he thinks about Gonzago's murder to verify the veracity of the ghost and also to take more time. After learning the truth, Hamlet still continues to procrastinate on killing Claudius. Although Hamlet is full of goals, he lacks the ability to carry out his intentions, and therefore allows his character flaw to destroy him. Another characteristic that works against Hamlet is his excessive melancholy. Hamlet experiences rejection of his true love, anger at his father's murder, betrayal by his friends and family, and fear of what lies ahead. These feelings of pain and sadness are rooted deep within Hamlet and devour him like a terrible disease. Unfortunately, at the end of the play Hamlet has stopped fighting this disease and leaves his future up to fate. When he begins his duel with Laertes, he says, "readiness is all," meaning that fate will decide the future and if it means death, he will accept it. In relation to Hamlet's indecision and melancholy, one must question his sanity. At the beginning of the play Hamlet seems logical and fast, but this soon fades after Hamlet has his first visit with the ghost of his father. Hamlet then doubts himself and begins to believe that his eyes have deceived him.