The use of contrast helps portray the concepts of morality and revenge in William Shakespeare's “Hamlet”. The contrast between the characters further develops the concepts and characterization, providing an additional layer of meaning behind the work. The contrast can be observed mainly between Hamlet and Claudius and between Hamlet and Fortinbras. The contrasting characters mentioned play an important role in the development of a main theme throughout the play, namely moral corruption. Moral corruption can be seen throughout the state of Denmark as a whole, as well as simply in the family unit that Hamlet is exposed to. In any case, the contrast between the characters demonstrates how morally corrupt the ideas surrounding the work really are. As Hamlet struggles to find the meaning behind morality, we see a clear contrast between his ideology and that of Claudius. Hamlet is unable to decipher exactly what is wrong and what is right; and although he considers himself a person of good intentions, on many occasions he tends to find the line between right and wrong blurred. As the play progresses, you can see that Hamlet becomes much more internal. He finds himself reconsidering every detail of his life and future that involves revenge, as he says "Thus conscience makes cowards of us all" (III.i.83). The irony of this statement is that he is angry at himself for not taking action and being a coward; however, by doing so, he is overthinking the situation. As the play progresses, it is seen that Hamlet's inability to act is his demise. Thus, one can recognize a clear contradiction in Hamlet's character. He often contradicts himself when it comes to the idea of ​​revenge; as he considers it immoral to kill someone, but at the same time the disk... in the center of the card... chooses to support immorality. The contrast between Hamlet and Claudius is deliberately set out to reinforce that idea by showing that neither is capable of choosing morality over immorality; thus providing a clear example of moral corruption in man. Furthermore, the notion of revenge takes on the conflicting views on obtaining honor between Fortinbras and Hamlet. As Hamlet is drawn further and further into his perceived need for honour, Fortinbras manages to refrain from moral corruption and maintain his dignity, and because of this he is the only character who is strengthened and not dead at the end of the play. One message that can be conveyed from this tragedy is that those who have good intentions and are not morally corrupt will find themselves having a better stature in life. However, drawing a parallel with those who oppose you is not only ironic, but also a sign of diminishing morality.