“In some respects we can know fictional characters even better than we know people.” The author of Literature, Structure, Sound, and Sense makes an important point about fictional characters. An author can “make” or “break” a story based on how they portray the characters and how relatable they are. An author can also make a story interesting by using different types of characters, as well as following the three principles of a good character. Shakespeare uses these concepts in Hamlet to brilliantly showcase his characters and allow readers to relate to each of them. The protagonist of this play is Hamlet. Hamlet is a character introduced indirectly, because readers are not explicitly told who Hamlet is. Throughout the story readers learn new things about him. Hamlet also tells the other characters in the story that there is more to him than they know. Even at the end of the story readers may not feel like they fully understand Hamlet. Hamlet is also a round character. Hamlet is a very complex individual, philosophical as well as contemplative. Readers see many sides of Hamlet, from his “love” with Ophelia in the beginning and then his carefree approach to her later on, as well as his passionate fight to take revenge for his father's death. Hamlet also develops throughout the entire play. Readers at first see Hamlet's disbelief when confronted by the ghost but through some investigation, mainly the play used to prove Claudius' guilt, Hamlet finally comes to realize that his uncle really killed his father. Hamlet also follows the three principles of good character. : coherent, motivated and plausible. Hamlet is consistent throughout the story. Even when readers see him change and develop, it is because of a significant event in the story. An example of this is the change in actions towards Ophelia. Hamlet begins to treat Ophelia with love, but due to her rudeness towards him he begins to backtrack. He is also motivated in trying to find his father's killer and seek revenge. Hamlet is also a plausible character. He is not completely separate from human nature, as readers see him struggle with emotions and revenge. He is also not the “perfect” human being as he is prone to anger and impulses. This character is essential in this story because he is the protagonist. Without Hamlet there is no story.