OPHELIA

Ophelia is shown as a gentle and obedient girl, greatly influenced by her family's expectations. Although she starts off as Hamlet's love interest, their relationship gets strained as the story goes on. 

Ophelia's story is tied closely to the ideas of violence and honour in the play. Hamlet's harsh treatment of her, including rejecting her, shows a kind of emotional violence. She also becomes a victim of the violence happening in the royal court, especially because of her father's actions.

In the end, Ophelia's sad fate is a consequence of patriarchal neglect. After her father dies because of Hamlet, she loses her mind and ends up drowning. Her story teaches us about the dangers of manipulation and deceit in society, showing us that it is the most innocent who ultimately suffer the most.

OLD HAMLET