Question

Round characters are those who change throughout a particular literary work - those who actually resemble humans and exhibit actual human characteristics. Hamlet is like that - he is sane at times, completely mad at others, he questions his own existence and whether he should live or not, he questions if he is a criminal capable of killing another human, he feels remorse, sadness, shame, but also a thirst for revenge. Which type of character is Hamlet?

1) Flat character
2) Dynamic character
3) Static character
4) Stock character

Answer 1

Hamlet is a dynamic character because he exhibits significant internal change over the course of the play, evolving both emotionally and intellectually. The correct option is 2) Dynamic character.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hamlet is an example of a dynamic character in literature, meaning he undergoes significant internal change throughout the play. This is evident as Hamlet experiences a range of emotions, conflicts, and psychological transformations, questioning his existence, morality, and purpose.

Through his interactions with other characters, such as the foil characters of Fortinbras and Old Hamlet, and through the themes of madness and revenge, Hamlet evolves from being indecisive to adopting a more resolute stance by the end of the play. A flat character, by contrast, would not demonstrate this complexity or change, and a static character would remain unchanged throughout. A stock character serves a specific, predictable role within the story and is not meant to undergo development.