“In some ways we can know fictional characters even better than people. » The author of Literature, Structure, Sound, and Sense makes an important point about fictional characters. An author can “make” or “unmake” a story by the way he describes the characters as well as who they are. An author can also make a story interesting by using different types of characters and following the three principles of a good character. Shakespeare uses these concepts in Hamlet to brilliantly introduce his characters and allow readers to identify with each of them. The protagonist of this play is Hamlet. Hamlet is a character introduced indirectly, because readers do not explicitly know who Hamlet is. Throughout the story, readers learn new things about him. Hamlet even tells the other characters in the story that there is more to him than they think. Even at the end of the story, readers may not feel like they completely understand Hamlet. Hamlet is also a round character. Hamlet is a very complex individual, both philosophical and contemplative. Readers learn about many facets of Hamlet, from his "love" with Ophelia in the beginning, then his carefree approach towards her later, as well as his passionate fight for revenge for his father's death. Hamlet also develops throughout the play. Readers first see Hamlet's disbelief when confronted by the ghost, but after some investigation, mainly the play used to prove Claudius' guilt, Hamlet finally realizes that his uncle actually killed his father. Hamlet also follows the three principles of good character. : coherent, motivated and plausible. Hamlet is consistent throughout the story. Even when readers see him change and evolve, it is because of a significant event in history. An example of this is the change in actions towards Ophelia. Hamlet begins by treating Ophelia with love, but because of her rudeness towards him, he begins to back away. He is also motivated as he attempts to find his father's killer and seek revenge. Hamlet is also a plausible character. He is not completely removed from human nature, as readers see him struggle with his emotions and revenge. He is also not the “perfect” human as he is prone to rage and impulses. This character is essential to this story because he is the protagonist. Without Hamlet there is no story.