1. Initial Attempts at Secrecy and Manipulation:
* Hiring Spies: Claudius sends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to spy on Hamlet, hoping to uncover the source of his madness and any knowledge of the murder.
* Playing on Hamlet's Grief: Claudius attempts to manipulate Hamlet by expressing sympathy for his grief and encouraging him to move on from his father's death.
2. Escalating to Physical Threat:
* The "Mousetrap" Play: Claudius arranges for a play, mirroring the circumstances of his own crime, to test Hamlet's suspicions. His reaction reveals Hamlet's knowledge, leading to further actions.
* The Voyage to England: Claudius, fearing for his life, sends Hamlet on a ship to England with instructions for his execution.
* The Duel: After Hamlet's escape from the ship, Claudius arranges a duel with Laertes, a skilled swordsman, knowing the risk of Hamlet's death. He also poisons Laertes' sword and a cup of wine to ensure Hamlet's demise.
3. Ultimate Failure:
* Hamlet's Countermeasures: Despite Claudius' schemes, Hamlet is aware of his treachery and takes measures to protect himself. He prevents his own execution in England and confronts Claudius during the duel.
* Death and Revenge: The poisoned sword and wine ultimately claim the lives of Hamlet, Laertes, and Queen Gertrude. Claudius, in turn, is confronted by Hamlet and ultimately poisoned by his own plan.
In essence, Claudius's actions are driven by a desperate attempt to maintain power and silence his conscience. However, his actions are ultimately undone by his own deceit and Hamlet's cunning.