Final answer:
If Hamlet had killed Claudius in Act III, the character development and further exploration of Hamlet's moral and psychological complexity would be absent. Acts IV and V deepen our understanding of Hamlet and somewhat soften the responsibility placed upon him for the ensuing deaths as we grapple with the tragic unfolding of his intent and actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
If Hamlet had killed Claudius in Act III, what would be missing from Hamlet's perspectives is the deeper development of his character which unfolds in the later acts. In Acts IV and V, Hamlet's character evolves from one shrouded in indecision to one that takes purposeful action, albeit with tragic consequences. These later acts showcase his contemplation on mortality, the complexity of action and inaction, and the ultimate acceptance of fate.
The deaths that Hamlet is connected to, including Polonius, Ophelia, Laertes, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, Claudius, and Gertrude, are somewhat softened by our understanding of Hamlet's struggle with his own morals, sanity, and the circumstances he is thrust into. This complexity allows the audience to see beyond a superficial tally of blame and engages them in a moral quandary about responsibility and intention.
Considering Ophelia and Gertrude, viewer perceptions may vary. While they are often seen as victims of their societal gender roles, with Ophelia viewed as weak and Gertrude seen as power-hungry, it may also be argued that they exhibit a form of heroism by exercising as much agency as possible within their confined societal roles. The degree to which they can act upon their own free will versus being driven by external factors makes their characterization more intricate and debatable.