Polonius

Polonius: The father and loyal servant

Whether the story is based in the medieval times of kings and lordships or the 21st century, a good character in my belief has substance, is honest and true to his loved ones. For different reasons I like different characters, it all depends on the story. You know you have a good character when -even after he may say or do some things that you as the reader may think are a little harsh -you can still appreciate his position. In this paper I will give examples of how Polonius displayed love to his children and loyalty to his queen and king in the story of Hamlet.

When it came time for Laertes to go off to school Polonius spoke to his son, expressed to him that he loved him very much and was very proud of him for making the choice to go off to school. He displayed much concern when he warned is daughter Ophelia that her love, Hamlet had gone mad in the mind, and it would not be good for her to pursue Hamlet. Polonius knows that she may love him and that this may not be what she wants to hear but it is best for her.

Polonius's loyalty to the king was demonstrated when he was willing to set Hamlet up to see exactly what was going through his mind to see if in fact he was really mad and possibly what put him in this condition. He was very loyal to his Queen, in that he wanted to help her in finding the truth to Hamlet's madness all the way to his untimely death. Although Hamlet was breaking Polonius's daughter's heart, the chaplain still tried to befriend Hamlet.

As stated before a good character depends on the plot of the story, and what type of charcter the reader appeals to. Polonius portrayed a good character by showing loyalty and love to his family and his lordship.