What drives Hamlet's actions throughout the play?

Hamlet's actions are primarily driven by the pursuit of revenge for his father's murder. Following the appearance of his father's ghost, who reveals the truth about his death and calls for vengeance against Claudius, Hamlet becomes preoccupied with the moral and ethical implications of avenging his father. This central motive propels the plot and impacts his relationships throughout the play, leading to intense internal conflict and existential questioning.

The theme of revenge permeates Hamlet's thoughts and behaviors, influencing key decisions, such as staging the play-within-a-play to confirm Claudius's guilt and ultimately leading to tragic consequences. The pursuit of retribution also reflects broader themes of justice and the consequences of action and inaction, which are crucial in understanding Hamlet's character arc and the play's tragic dimensions.