Laertes is the son of Polonius and the brother of Ophelia. He's a young nobleman, primarily concerned with his family's honor. His actions throughout *Hamlet* are driven by a desire to avenge his father's death and his sister's descent into madness and eventual death.
Fortinbras is the Prince of Norway. His father was killed by Hamlet's father, the former King Hamlet. Young Fortinbras seeks to reclaim lands lost by his father and represents a strong, decisive leader, a stark contrast to Hamlet's introspective nature.
Laertes and Fortinbras serve as foils (characters who highlight, through contrast, another character's qualities) to Hamlet. They both act on the deaths of their fathers, but in ways that sharply contrast with Hamlet's inaction and contemplation.
Consider how each character responds to their respective situations:
| Character | Motivation | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Laertes | Revenge for his father and sister | Immediately returns to Denmark, confronts Claudius, and participates in the rigged fencing match. |
| Fortinbras | Reclaiming lost territory and restoring honor | Musters an army and marches toward Denmark. |
| Hamlet | Avenging his father's murder | Hesitates, contemplates, and delays, leading to further tragedy. |
Laertes and Fortinbras are crucial to understanding *Hamlet* because they provide alternative models of action and leadership. They highlight Hamlet's procrastination and internal conflict, enriching the play's themes of revenge, honor, and mortality. Fortinbras's final ascension to the throne suggests a restoration of order and stability to Denmark after the tragic events.
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