When it comes to great literary works, William Shakespeare's popular tragedy Hamlet is among the best. Often cited as a source of excellence for playwrights, seemingly stereotypical and melodramatic female portrayals cannot be overlooked. Although gender differences exist across the characters Hamlet, Claudius, and Gertrude, collectively, they all influence the overall plot and outcome. Tragic characters play an effective leading role in a tragedy. The main role that a tragic character takes normally controls the actions and reactions of an environment. Shakespeare's tragedy Hamlet is no different, effectively exposing the vulnerabilities and shortcomings of the tragic characters, Hamlet and Claudius; while providing the overall value of Gertrude and Ophelia. Tragic characters often take part in an irrational and avoidable plot, which results 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 heroes. “Shakespeare's heroes are not only obviously subject to the evanescence of human passion, but they constantly protest against it, and that consciousness and, ultimately, ineffectual protest constitute a substantial part of their suffering” (Kirsch 87). Tragic characters are given many opportunities to resolve situations, but it seems that driven emotions have blinded them from avoidable flaws, especially in the case of Prince Hamlet. Hamlet, one of the most memorable characters, embodies the term tragic hero. Shakespeare introduces the young prince, showing his innocence in contrast to the evil that surrounds him. The murder of his father and the impulsive...... middle of paper...... Works Cited Tiffany, Grace. "Hamlet, reconciliation and the just state." Renascence: Essays on Values ​​in Literature 58.2 (2005): 111+. Literary Resource Center. Network. November 25, 2011. Bradley, A.C. "Shakespeare's Tragic Period: 'Hamlet' and 'Hamlet'." Shakespearean tragedy: lessons on 'Hamlet', 'Othello', 'King Lear', 'Macbeth'. 2nd ed. Macmillan, 1905. 79-128. Rpt. in Shakespearean criticism. Ed. Laurie Lanzen Harris. vol. 1. Detroit: Gale Research, 1984. Literature Resource Center. Network. November 26, 2011Smith, Rebecca. "The Heart Split in Two: Shakespeare's Gertrude Dilemma." The Woman's Part: Feminist Criticism of Shakespeare. Ed. Carolyn Ruth Swift, Lenz Gayle Greene and Carol Thomas Neely. 1980. 194-208. Rpt. in Shakespearean criticism. Ed. Dana Ramel Barnes. vol. 35. Detroit: Gale Research, 1997. Literature Resource Center. Network. November 26. 2011..