A single moment or event in the course of an individual's life can effectively alter their priorities and dramatically transform their identity. In the play Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, Shakespeare introduces readers to the protagonist Hamlet who is wrapped up in anger and emotions and has a new mission in life. Initially, Hamlet is portrayed as an individual mourning the death of his father and his mother's haste to remarry her brother-in-law and Hamlet's uncle, Claudius. However, Hamlet's character and personality were drastically altered after meeting the Ghost and discovering the true nature of his father's death. Hamlet is now a man with a thirst for revenge and a willingness to do anything that will allow him to achieve this goal. When burdened with the task of killing Claudius, Hamlet chooses to sacrifice everything he holds dear by transforming his identity in a noble effort to avenge his father's death. Hamlet tarnishes his image and sacrifices his dignity as a result of his ploy to deceive those around him. and avenge his father's murder. Initially, Hamlet's character is portrayed as “a soldier” and “a scholar” with “a noble mind.” This description of Ophelia is one that the citizens of Elsinore, including Hamlet's friends and family, would have accepted with an open heart. After all, as Claudius said to Hamlet: "You are the nearest to our throne..." Hamlet must act in a presentable state at all times so that he can be favorable to the people should he become king. However, after the Ghost's revelation that "The serpent that sting thy father's life now wears his crown," Hamlet is shocked yet confused. He is forced into a conflict between acting and not acting... middle of the paper... ter on Hamlet, in his soliloquy, he is frustrated by the way actors can freely express their emotions without fear. However, his goal of revenge has taken over all other aspects of his life and therefore he willingly sacrifices his freedom of expression. Shakespeare portrays the protagonist, Hamlet, as someone with a great emotional and physical capacity for self-sacrifice. Burdened with the heroic task of avenging his father's murder, Hamlet chooses to adopt an "old-fashioned attitude." This leads him to voluntarily transform his identity by altering his values, beliefs and self-image. Hamlet also chooses to sacrifice his true love for Ophelia, his right to express himself freely, and ultimately his life. Shakespeare shows how an individual, when burdened with a difficult task, will sacrifice anything, including his own life, in order to achieve that goal..