#12: Character for Hamlet: Polonius

My character of interest is Polonius. He is an older man who was once wise and knowledgeable but in his old age his mental abilities are starting to decline. But he is still an interesting man. He still remembers some of what he used to know and can be very helpful, but not for long periods of time. But he can be blunt and provide comic relief in boring scenes. In Act II Scene II Polonius interrupts the long speech given on Priam’s death to say, “This is too long.” You could imagine him posting a comment on one of those no-one-cares-that-much-about-your-life statuses and saying, “this status is too long and dull.” But he also gives good advice from time to time and speaks words of true wisdom though they may seem like clichés. And at other times he can be an annoying father to Laertes and Ophelia as he tries to keep tabs on them and offers his advice. But his concern about his position can also make him seem like a father who uses his children if necessary. He attempts to use Ophelia to get on the good side of the king as to not be discarded by him. It is the struggle between politics and family ties but he is still an interesting character for the decision he must make about what he cares most about, himself or his children. He is also still a wise and comical individual that this play needs. He can bring a little bit of humor and insight into this Shakespearian play.