In Shakespeare's Hamlet, the power of the king, the hierarchy of control and the use of spies and pawns are the factors that lead to the death of Claudius, Gertrude , Hamlet, Laertes, Polonius and Ophelia. Those in power are concerned about how they are seen, so they use indirect action by recruiting a pawn regardless of whether there is honor in the process. These tokens then use direct action. Claudius, the center of power, tries to maintain this royal image by using political pawns who only want to please him. Friendship is a rare luxury in Hamlet, and the use of tokens does not promote friendship, trust, or honor. It's hard to discern true intentions when most of the characters play for their own reasons. The “something… rotten in the state of Denmark” (1.5.100) and the corrupt political system destroy the code of honor that Hamlet Sr. is supposed to embody. This is a theme that echoes throughout the history of all empires and kingdoms of any time period. Pawns and spies are a universal practice in most hierarchies, much like a nearly identical code of honor in many cultures throughout history. Hamlet is full of questionable events in honor, inspired by revenge and governed by emotions. Hamlet's hierarchy is the mold to be filled in the plot. Determine what is out of line for the characters and how they will behave. This hierarchy is made up of a royal family that gives power to those it deems worthy beneath them, but still exercises ultimate control. This is the backdrop for Claudius' complex and premeditated movements. You can see that Claudius has few rules since he killed his brother for his throne and wife and tries to protect him by attempting to kill his stepson/nephew. The only restriction... in the center of the paper... I am a "wretch, reckless, interloper, fool" (3.4.38) which fits his character perfectly. In addition to Polonius, Claudius also uses Laertes for his plans. Laertes is a noble and dignified man, but when his father is killed, he is driven to act out of anger rather than common sense. He is driven to revenge in the same way as Hamlet. Claudius is able to bend Laertes' anger into something he can use against Hamlet in Act 5 during the duel between Hamlet and Laertes. Claudius' cold persuasion is seen in Claudius' words when Laertes brings a crowd to the palace after hearing of his father's death: What is the cause, Laertes, that your rebellion seems so gigantic? Let him go, Gertrude. Do not fear our person. There is such a deity that protects a king That treachery cannot but peek what it would, Acts little according to his will. Tell me, Laertes, why you are so angry. (4.5.135-141)