Horatio:
* Trust and Admiration: Hamlet deeply trusts and admires Horatio. He sees him as a true friend, someone who is honest, intelligent, and loyal. Horatio's loyalty is evident in his willingness to follow Hamlet's instructions, even when they are dangerous or unclear. He is the one Hamlet confides in, revealing his darkest thoughts and fears. This trust is built on their shared history and intellectual connection.
* Intellectual Bond: Hamlet and Horatio share a love of philosophy and a desire to understand the world. They engage in thoughtful conversations, debating complex ideas. Hamlet recognizes Horatio's intelligence and seeks his opinion on various matters.
* Difference from Rosencrantz and Guildenstern: Horatio is genuinely loyal and concerned for Hamlet's well-being, unlike Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. They are more like instruments of the King, easily manipulated and ultimately betraying Hamlet's trust. Their friendship with Hamlet seems superficial and based on convenience, not genuine affection.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern:
* Flat Characters: Often seen as flat characters, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are primarily used to illustrate the manipulation and deceit within the court. They lack independent agency, acting as tools for the King. Their actions are driven by self-preservation and the desire to please the King, rather than any true loyalty or understanding of Hamlet's inner turmoil.
* Foil to Horatio: They serve as foils to Horatio, highlighting the difference between true friendship and superficial association. While Horatio is a source of strength and stability for Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern contribute to his isolation and ultimately his downfall.
Round vs. Flat Characters:
* Round Characters: Typically complex and multifaceted, possessing a range of emotions, motivations, and flaws. They change and develop throughout the story.
* Flat Characters: Often one-dimensional, serving a specific purpose within the narrative. They are often defined by a single trait or function and tend to remain static throughout the story.
Arguments for Round and Flat Characters:
* Horatio: He can be seen as a round character. While he is loyal and supportive, he is also capable of fear and hesitation, as seen in his initial reluctance to follow Hamlet's plan. He evolves in the play, becoming more involved in the action and ultimately taking responsibility for preserving Hamlet's legacy.
* Rosencrantz and Guildenstern: They are more convincingly portrayed as flat characters. Their main purpose is to act as instruments of deceit, highlighting the corrupting influence of power. Their lack of agency and depth strengthens their portrayal as tools rather than individuals.
Conclusion:
While the characters can be debated, the overall argument leans towards Horatio being more round and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern being more flat. Their contrasting personalities and roles highlight the importance of genuine friendship and the dangers of manipulation.