How Does Shakespeare Use Minor Characters In Hamlet

Shakespeare uses minor characters to represent significant themes throughout Hamlet. Minor characters often contribute to the plot and illuminate key themes just as much as major characters do. Seemingly meaningless conversations where minor characters are present can actually contain important underlying information. Minor characters often reflect the same problems that major characters have and contribute to major themes in the work. In Hamlet, Shakespeare uses the minor character Guildenstern to show that loyalty to corrupt authority can lead to downfall and highlights existential themes of freedom and the crowd. Guildenstern is so loyal to king Claudius that he lays down his life for him, which ultimately leads to Guildenstern’s inevitable