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Even Hamlet wouldn’t know what to tell you about Hamlet. He’s a mystery—and he knows it. So what was Shakespeare doing in Hamlet with the character of Hamlet? He was … well, watch this Recap and start piecing together the clues.

Video Transcription:

Hamlet.

No. It’s not the name for a baby pig.

Hamlet is the mysterious protagonist of our play. We won’t figure him out in 60 seconds, but I’ll give you some clues.

In Recap 6, we’ll be talking about how Shakespeare develops a theme of uncertainty in this play. Here’s one way: Through a main character who leaves you feeling uncertain that he’s the guy he seems to be.

Here’s what we do know about Hamlet. He’s philosophical, s cynical. He’s seriously depressed.

Some people have called Hamlet indecisive—perhaps because it takes so long for him to avenge his father’s death.

But I think a better description of Hamlet is that he’s deeply—almost obsessively—contemplative. Hamlet struggles to find truth in an uncertain world—whether it be the truth about his father’s death, or the truth about other characters’ motives and intentions.

Most significantly of all, Hamlet is consciously mysterious. What I mean is, he even admits to the fact that there’s more going on in his character than other characters—or his audience members—can fathom. And even his soliloquies (his speeches to himself) give the impression that there’s something important that he’s just not saying.

You want more? What more can I add? The guy’s a mystery. And let’s face it: You can’t figure out a character who doesn’t want to be figured out.