Foils in Hamlet
A foil is a literary term for a minor character who possesses traits, behaviors, and values that emphasize,
by contrast or comparison, the distinctive characteristics and qualities of the main character.
Hamlet contains two obvious characters who serve as foils to Hamlet’s character: Laertes and Fortinbras.
Although not strictly foils to Hamlet, Ophelia and Claudius also demonstrate a number of qualities that -when placed in opposition to Hamlet’s actions and characteristics -- serve to highlight various unique
aspects of his character.
In Acts IV and V, you will pay particular attention to the broad similarities and, more important, crucial
differences between one of these characters and Hamlet. Use the chart on the following page to record
significant lines from each of the scenes in which your character appears in Acts IV and V, as well as offer
commentary on how the passages illustrate similarities and differences between your character’s traits,
language, actions, and values to those of Hamlet. Please complete the full chart, even if your
character is in a fewer number of scenes than the number of rows provided.
Be prepared to meet with your group on Monday, 2/10 to prepare an informal presentation on your
character to the rest of the class.
Group 1: Laertes (Act IV, Scenes v, vii and Act V, Scenes i and ii)
Christian, Tyler, Andjelija, Sasha
Group 2: Fortinbras (Act IV, Scene iv and Act V, Scene ii)
Zoe, Holden, Hannah, Nam
Group 3: Claudius (Act IV, Scenes i, iii, v, vii and Act V, Scenes i and ii)
Allegra, Ying, Chloe, Sam
Group 4: Ophelia (Act IV, Scene v and Act V, Scene i -- in this last scene, Ophelia is spoken of by other
characters)
Giulia, Autumn, Ilana
Group 5: Claudius (Act IV, Scenes i, iii, v, vii and Act V, Scenes i and ii)
Morgan, Jorden, Aaron, Justine
Group 6: Laertes (Act IV, Scenes v, vii and Act V, Scenes i and ii)
Andrew, Lauren, Sarah
Name: ___________________________ Character: ________________________
Significant passage spoken by
character (or about character),
with act, scene, and line
numbers
Close reading of these lines: pay
close attention to the diction in
this passage. What are the
significant words and images?
What is their effect -- how do they
provide insight into the character
and contribute to the larger
meaning of the play?
Comparisons to Hamlet: How do
the traits of this character serve
to emphasize -- by comparison or
contrast -- Hamlet’s
characteristics and qualities?