The many faces of Claudius

Shakespeare's character-illuminating repitoire is vast and is not simply limited to the description of physical appearance, what is said, and the actions that take place. In Hamlet, Shakespeare employs a much more complex and deeper method with the purpose of further explaining and reinforcing the content of each character. The use of sophisticated speech pattern and diction is part of this more complex method of explantion and manifests itself throughout the play in instances of repeated or abrupt word choice. Claudius is not immune to this method and himself demonstrates the revlieling nature. Claudius' character consists of many facets that through one interaction will be lost. Claudius's nature, as expressed through his actions, is congruous to his word choice. Claudius's character is pliable and goes through many slight transformations, yet having been built from the same material, is at heart the same. When dealing with Hamlet, Claudius takes on a tone seperate from that when interacting with Gertrude and still different from him being a leader. Therefore, Shakespeare uses harsh word choice and specific speech patterns to not only help differentiate but to also individualize Claudius's character as a father, as a leader, and as a husband.