The way Hamlet changes over the course of the play is called

The way Hamlet changes over the course of the play is called "character development" or "character arc." Throughout William Shakespeare's "Hamlet," the protagonist evolves significantly due to the various experiences and challenges he faces. This transformation reflects his internal struggles with revenge, morality, and existential questions.

1. Initial State: At the beginning of the play, Hamlet is depicted as a grieving son, deeply affected by his father's death and his mother’s swift remarriage.
2. Inciting Incident: The ghost of King Hamlet reveals the truth about his murder, igniting Hamlet's quest for revenge.
3. Conflict and Reflection: As the play progresses, Hamlet grapples with doubt and procrastination, leading to his famous soliloquies where he contemplates life, death, and his own inaction.
4. Climax and Transformation: By the end, Hamlet's character shifts from indecisiveness to determined resolve, culminating in his acceptance of fate and the consequences of his actions.

This dynamic change not only drives the plot forward but also emphasizes key themes such as revenge and the complexity of human emotion.