When discussions arise about great works of literature, William Shakespeare's popular tragedy Hamlet ranks among the best. Often cited as a source of excellence for playwrights, the seemingly stereotypical and melodramatic representations of women cannot be overlooked. Although gender differences exist through the characters Hamlet, Claudius, and Gertrude, they collectively affect the plot and overall outcome. Tragic characters play an effective and leading role in a tragedy. The main role that a tragic character takes on normally controls the actions and reactions of a setting. Shakespeare's tragedy, Hamlet, is no different, effectively exposing the vulnerabilities and flaws of the tragic characters, Hamlet and Claudius; while still providing the overall value of Gertrude and Ophelia. Tragic characters often participate in an irrational and avoidable plot, resulting in a long moral lesson. Literary analyst Authur Kirsch elaborates on his perception of the tragic themes of Shakespeare's heroes by stating: "Irony is in a broad sense, 'comic,' but it only exacerbates the passion for the heroes. “Shakespeare's heroes not only are obviously subject to the evanescence of human passion, but they constantly protest against it, and this consciousness and ultimately this vain protest constitute a substantial part of their suffering” (Kirsch 87). Tragic characters have many opportunities to resolve situations, but it seems that emotions have blinded them to avoidable flaws, especially in the case of Prince Hamlet. Hamlet, one of the most memorable characters, embodies the term tragic hero. Shakespeare presents the young prince, displaying his innocence contrasting with the evil that surrounds him. The murder of her father as well as the impulse...... middle of paper ......Works CitedTiffany, Grace. “Hamlet, Reconciliation and the Just State.” Renaissance: Essays on Values ​​in Literature 58.2 (2005): 111+. Literary Resource Center. Internet. November 25, 2011. Bradley, AC "Shakespeare's Tragic Period - 'Hamlet' and 'Hamlet'." Shakespearean tragedy: lectures on “Hamlet”, “Othello”, “King Lear”, “Macbeth”. 2nd ed. Macmillan, 1905. 79-128. Rep. in Shakespearean criticism. Ed. Laurie Lanzen Harris. Flight. 1. Detroit: Gale Research, 1984. Information Resource Center. Internet. November 26, 2011Smith, Rebecca. “A Cleft Heart in Twain: Shakespeare’s Gertrude’s Dilemma.” » The woman's part: feminist criticism of Shakespeare. Ed. Carolyn Ruth Swift, Lenz Gayle Greene and Carol Thomas Neely. 1980. 194-208. Rep. in Shakespearean criticism. Ed. Dana Ramel Barnes. Flight. 35. Detroit: Gale Research, 1997. Information Resource Center. Internet. November 26. 2011..