Who is the primary antagonist in Hamlet?

The primary antagonist in "Hamlet" is Claudius, the uncle of Hamlet, who assumes the throne of Denmark after murdering Hamlet's father. Claudius's actions set the central conflict of the play in motion. He not only commits regicide but also marries Gertrude, Hamlet's mother, thereby furthering Hamlet's feelings of betrayal and disgust. Claudius embodies the corruption and moral decay of the Danish state, which is a significant theme throughout the play. His manipulation and schemes create obstacles for Hamlet's quest for revenge, making him the main source of conflict in the narrative.

In contrast, characters such as Polonius and Laertes serve different roles within the story, often acting as foil characters to Hamlet rather than primary antagonists. Fortinbras, while representing an external threat and serving a critical role in the play's conclusion, is not directly opposed to Hamlet's objectives in a personal sense. This reinforces Claudius's position as the central figure standing in the way of Hamlet's quest for justice and resolution.