In Shakespeare's Hamlet, the power of the king, the hierarchy of control and the use of spies and pawns are the factors that led to the death of Claudius , Gertrude, Hamlet, Laertes, Polonius and Ophelia. Those who wield power care about how they are perceived. They therefore resort to indirect action by recruiting a pawn, whether or not there is honor in the process. These pawns then use direct action. Claude, the center of power, tries to maintain this royal image by using political pawns who only want to please him. Friendship is a rare luxury in Hamlet, and using pawns does not promote friendship, trust, or honor. It's difficult to discern true intentions when most of the characters are playing for their own motivations. The “something… rotten in the State of Denmark” (1.5.100) and the corrupt political system are destroying the code of honor that Hamlet Sr. is supposed to embody. This is a theme repeated in the history of all empires and kingdoms of all eras. Pawns and spies are a universal practice in most hierarchies, as is a nearly identical code of honor in many cultures throughout history. Hamlet is full of events of dubious honor, inspired by revenge and governed by emotion. Hamlet's hierarchy is the mold to be filled by the plot. It dictates what is out of character for the characters and how they will act. This hierarchy consists of a royal family who gives power to those they deem worthy below them, but still exercises ultimate control. This is the backdrop to Claudius's complex and premeditated movements. You can see that Claudius has few rules since he murdered his brother for his throne and wife and works to protect him by attempting to kill his stepson/nephew. The only restriction... middle of paper ......m as "miserable, reckless, intrusive, imbecile" (3.4.38) which fits his character perfectly. Besides Polonius, Claudius also uses Laertes for his plans. Laertes is a noble and dignified man, but when his father is killed, he is driven to act out of anger rather than sense. He is driven to take revenge in the same way as Hamlet. Claudius is able to turn Laertes' anger into something he can use against Hamlet in Act 5 during the duel between Hamlet and Laertes. Claudius' cold persuasion is reflected in Claudius's words when Laertes brings a crowd to the palace after learning of his father's death: What is the cause, Laertes, that your rebellion is so giant-like? - Let him go, Gertrude. Do not fear us. There is such a deity that protects a king, that treachery can only glance at what it would, acts little of its will. - Tell me, Laertes, why are you so angry?. (4.5.135-141)