In some works of literature, a character who appears briefly, or does not appear at all, is a significant presence. Choose a novel or play of literary merit and write an essay in which you show how such a character functions in the work. You may wish to discuss how the character affects ation, theme, or the development of other characters.In William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, Prince of Denmark Hamlet and Fortinbras have many similarities in situation, position of power, and ambitions. Shakespeare uses Fortinbras to contrast and highlight Hamlet, as well as influence Hamlets decisions.In Hamlet the character of Fortinbras, a young Norwegian prince, has been used as a foil for the main character Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark. Hamlet and Fortinbras have lost their fathers to untimely deaths. Hamlet's uncle, Claudius, killed Hamlet’s father and Old King Hamlet killed Fortinbras' father. Both Hamlet and Fortinbras have vowed to take revenge on the death of their fathers. However, they go about doing this in complete opposite manners than each other.After learning of his father's death Hamlet promises to take revenge, upon Claudius. Even after Hamlet has no doubts that Claudius is the murderer, he hesitates to kill him. Fortinbras, on the other hand, takes action even before the play begins. As the play opens, we learn that Denmark is in a state of alert. Horatio informs us that:…sir, young Fortinbras,Of unimproved mettle hot and full,Hath in the skirts of Norway here and thereSharked up a list of lawless resolutes.(ACT 1. SC 1. LN 107-110)Fortinbras plans to take action against Denmark for the killing of his father and for the return of lands previously owned by Norway, These differences between Hamlet's and Fortinbras' action are further mentioned in Hamlet's last soliloquy. Before the soliloquy begins, one of Fortinbras's Captains informs Hamlet that Norway is preparing to fight Poland over a "little patch of land", a...
