Hamlet

How is Fortinbras ’ character different from Hamlet’s character?

Fortinbras and Hamlet

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Young Fortinbras is considered to be a character foil to Hamlet. Hamlet is impressed that Fortinbras is such a masculine man ready to risk lives simply for a fight. Hamlet laments his own qualities as a thinker and covets Fortinbras's traits as a man of action. Hamlet resolves to be a "tough man" just like his hero Fortinbras. In act 2 sc 2, Hamlet launches into a self deprecating rant about how much of a coward he is. He is impressed by Fortinbra's aggression over a "straw" and laments his own inaction over feeling personally used and insulted.Laertes has some of the fire that Hamlet covets but is less in control as Fortinbras.