Laertes (character)

Laertes is a character from William Shakespeare's play, Hamlet.

Laertes is the son of Polonius as well as brother to Ophelia.

During the course of the play, we find Laertes to be a scholar and devoutly loyal son and brother. His sister is in love with Hamlet, and he feels secure enough to leave for France for a period of time.

During his absence, Hamlet murders Polonius in his mother's bedchamber, believing him to be an underling of the king. The loss of her father combined with Hamlet's neglect causes Ophelia to fall into insanity and drown herself. Returning from France to find his family shattered, Laertes becomes enraged and desires to enact revenge on the one responsible.

King Claudius builds on Laertes' hatred of Hamlet to his own advantage, and encourages him to get rid Hamlet once and for all. By way of assisting him, he gives him a poison-tipped sword with which to cheat during a fencing duel. Hamlet, grieving over the unintentional killing of Polonius and the loss of Ophelia, agrees to the fight.

Before the fight, Hamlet apologizes publicly to Laertes for the wrongs he has dealt him. Laertes accepts it, but stands by his challenge in order to maintain his honor. Realizing that he is losing, Laertes illegally scratches Hamlet with the poisoned sword. Unaware, Hamlet switches swords with his opponent and deals him a fatal blow.

As he lies dying, Laertes confesses his and Claudius' treachery to Hamlet. They exchange forgivenesses, and Hamlet goes on to slay the king before dying of the poisoned cut.