Final answer:
Shakespeare's characters demonstrated Elizabethan drama by reflecting the social and cultural norms of the time, using Iambic Pentameter and rhetorical techniques, and focusing on theatrical realism. The physical setup of The Globe Theatre and the subtlety in acting as instructed in Hamlet indicate the era's performance styles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Shakespeare’s characters are quintessential examples of Elizabethan drama notably because Option 2: They reflected the social and cultural norms of the time. Unlike using modern colloquial language, future settings, or dance to communicate, Shakespeare’s characters spoke in Iambic Pentameter and his plays were deeply rooted in the societal intricacies of the Elizabethan era. Through his works, he expanded the English language, enriching it with numerous words and rhetorical techniques, thus giving the audience a deeper understanding of the human condition within the context of that time.
Performances in Shakespeare's time took place during the daytime to use natural lighting, and the stage was designed to bring the audience close to the action, as seen in the thrust stage of The Globe Theatre. The absence of elaborate sets meant that the focus was primarily on the language and performance, which is exemplified by the direct address and minimalistic approach to action descriptions within the dialogue of his plays.
Hamlet’s guidance to the players reflects the theatrical norms of the Elizabethan period, emphasizing subtlety and authenticity in acting, thereby pointing to Shakespeare’s striving for realism within the constraints and expectations of his cultural milieu. The themes and social commentary within Shakespeare's works, while sometimes less obvious to modern audiences, are testament to their origin in a specific historical context, often providing insights into the morals, politics, and societal debates of the late 16th and early 17th centuries.