Polonius

He is seen as foolish by Hamlet and seems to be a rambling old man, but he can be seen as evil and cunning.

He is loyal to Claudius, acting out his spying plans for him, but is this largely so that he can keep his revered position?

Father of Ophelia and Laertes.

He spends a lot of the play talking at length on a number of issues.

He can be made fun of and is seen as a comic figure by Hamlet.

Killed whilst spying on Hamlet, he meets a suitable end for his treachery, although Hamlet thinks he is killing Claudius.

He even asks Reynaldo to spy on his own son and to tempt him, showing his lack of trust; ironic for someone who is working for a traitor.

Reputation is important to him and he thinks Hamlet’s relationship with Ophelia could damage it.

Polonius’ death causes Ophelia to go mad and makes Claudius worried he may die next.