Shakespeare's use of supporting characters in Hamlet is essential to the play's success. These characters help to propel the plot and themes of the play, as well as the development of other characters.
The two most prominent supporting characters in Hamlet are Horatio and the Ghost. Horatio is a friend of Hamlet's and serves as his confidante and moral compass throughout the play. He is the only one who believes Hamlet's story about the ghost and is a source of both comfort and support for Hamlet during the play. Horatio is also important in helping to propel the plot by informing Hamlet of the arrival of the players and helping him to plan his revenge.
The Ghost serves as a symbol of the past and is a key figure in the play. He serves as a reminder of the past, prompting Hamlet to take action and seek revenge. He also serves as a moral guide for Hamlet and pushes him to face the consequences of his actions.
Other supporting characters such as Polonius, Ophelia, and the Players are also important in the play’s development. Polonius serves mostly as a comic relief and provides a much-needed distraction from the main plot. Ophelia, though a minor character, is a source of emotion and helps to illustrate Hamlet's internal struggles. The Players also provide insight into the play's themes, such as the idea of fate and the role of theatre in society.
Overall, Shakespeare's use of supporting characters in Hamlet is essential to the play's success. These characters help to propel the plot and themes of the play, as well as the development of other characters.