Final answer:
Shakespeare includes the plot event of Claudius manipulating Laertes primarily to illustrate Claudius's manipulative nature, rather than his interest in competition or wartime experience.
Step-by-step explanation:
The inclusion of the plot event where Claudius manipulates Laertes into a conspiracy to kill Hamlet serves multiple purposes. Primarily, it is meant to illustrate Claudius's skills of manipulation. Shakespeare uses this development to show how Claudius, unlike the straightforward war hero King Hamlet, wields his power through deception and political intrigue. This plot event is less about showcasing his wartime experience or interest in competition and more about highlighting his Machiavellian approach to maintaining control over the kingdom and protecting his own interests. Shakespeare's exploration of these themes adds depth to the character of Claudius and serves to further the narrative's exploration of moral ambiguity and the complexities of human behavior.