Throughout Shakespeare's Hamlet, the main character, Hamlet, acts as a histrionic and indecisive academic, but this personality does not completely characterize him. In many cases, Hamlet proves himself to be an understanding and compassionate prince towards his confidants. Because many of his friends and family have disappointed him, Hamlet takes on a persona that reveals his conflicted nature in which he acts like a madman but is truly sane. Before Hamlet performs his fictional play, he gives an honest speech to Horatio that reveals Hamlet's most sensitive traits. Hamlet begins his list of praises by explicitly stating that his next words do not flatter Horatio. Since Horatio “[has no other income] than your good humor/To feed and clothe you[,]” Hamlet sees no need to flatter him (III.ii.60-61). In what appears to be an insult to Horatio's poverty, Hamlet actually praises Horatio's cheerful attitude. Hamlet's clever metaphor involves him humbling himself before Horatio's ability to put on a happy face. This recognition of a positive outlook on life exposes Hamlet's own behavior as a fun-loving man. Hamlet wishes he could act like Horatio in the same optimistic manner and behave according to his natural behavior in contrast to his standard pessimistic state. He continues his masked praise by attacking the courtiers who constantly flatter Hamlet in the hope of a reward. Since Hamlet is a royal prince, he is likely to receive many compliments and greetings from people with hidden agendas. To assure Horatio that he has good intentions, Hamlet believes that only "the candied tongue [should] lick the absurd pomp/And bend the pregnant hinges of the knee" (III.ii.62-63). Hamlet's language illustrates a young child wanting candy and flattery to reach one of the most vulnerable and tender moments in Hamlet's dialogues. As Hamlet's gentler image emerges, he adds new dimensions to his personality in which he is not only the angry and crazy son, but also the loving and kind friend. However, Hamlet behaves more manic than benevolent in the play, and this speech represents only a small portion of Hamlet's speeches. Hamlet cannot linger in this exposed state and feel “[something] too much of this –” (III.ii.76). Although Hamlet opens up to Horatio, the situation becomes slightly uncomfortable and Hamlet moves on to his big production. These lines reveal more of Hamlet's personality but also add more mystery because the reader never knows this Hamlet for very long. The most interesting part of Hamlet is neglected and promotes an incomplete image of Hamlet, too often emotional and too often misunderstood..