Hamlet · Character

Laertes

Polonius's son, bound for France with a brother's warnings for Ophelia and a father's precepts in his pocket, quick to act where Hamlet only thinks.

supporting

Also known as young Laertes, good Laertes, Laertes Farewell, Laertes A Norman, Laertes Ay, King Good Laertes

First appearance: act i

As a supporting figure in Hamlet, Laertes is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Requests and receives permission from the King to return to France.

In the storyScene IIOpen this moment free

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Laertes is the court's polished young man abroad, affectionate to his sister and dutiful to his father, warned to keep his affections in the rear and his honor intact. He is everything Hamlet is not: decisive, unburdened by metaphysics, and willing to translate grief directly into deed. His departure for France removes the one person who might have protected Ophelia, and his return, when it comes, will be the play's most dangerous homecoming.

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See Laertes in act i

Character Web

4 connections

A slice of how Laertes sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Supporting and minor roles
Protagonist
Major characters and confidants

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This scene is the dramatic climax because it marks the psychological and moral peak of King Claudius’s interna…

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In the story

Laertes appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Scene II
Requests and receives permission from the King to return to France.
Scene III
Warns Ophelia about Hamlet's intentions and advises her to guard her honor before departing for France.
Scene V
Returns from France, leads a riot demanding revenge for his father's death, confronts Claudius.
Scene VII
Grieves for his father and sister, swears revenge, and agrees to Claudius's murder plot.
Scene I
Grieves for Ophelia and quarrels with Hamlet in her grave.
Scene II
Accepts Hamlet's apology but remains honor-bound; uses a poisoned rapier in the duel; dies after confessing.

Chapter companion notes

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See Laertes in act i

See Laertes in Scene II