Queen Gertrude in William Shakespeare's Hamlet In Shakespeare's Hamlet the greatest attention is often paid to character of Hamlet, however, it is a rich play and the character of Queen Gertrude may also be seen as a character that is often perceived as one dimensional but in reality is more complex. The image of Queen Gertrude is that of evil, in many ways she is the antithesis of Hamlet, as she is portrayed not only as an individual who is evil, but one who has chosen to lead a life lacking in mortality, not doing wrong as result of ignorance. The way in which the character develops sees the gradual building of the character from selfishness and immortality moving towards evil, but her characteristics are not limited to wrongdoing, there are also some aspects of compassion and love within her. Shakespeare like to present contrasts and opposites; whereas Hamlet is a scholar and a philosopher and is free of common vices, Gertrude is the embodiment of vices, she is focused on her own pleasures and has only shallow thoughts and seeking to possess fine clothes and trinkets and wanting soft pillows and warm baths (Granville-Barker 13). There are some question marks over the extent of her immorality, as the ghost mutters "Ay, that incestuous, that adulterate beast, With witchcraft of his wit, with traitorous gifts,-O wicked wit, and gifts that have the power, So to seduce!--won to his shameful lust, The will of my most seeming-virtuous queen" (Act I, Scene v). The