Why is 'Hamlet' so good?

Shakespeare was, and still is one of the greatest writers of any times and there is a consensus that he is the greatest dramatist of all time. Hamlet is so exceptionally unique, as the character is unlike any other title character ever written.

As a structure of complete dramatic design, it is probably not Shakespeare's best; Macbeth, Othello, Midsummer Nights Dream and King Lear all have better pace and in some cases more defined characters. But Hamlet is the most intriguing, most mysterious and most challenging role in drama. It is possibly the only character that defies interpretation. It has puzzled and stirred debate since it's introduction almost 400 hundred years ago and it is the ultimate challenge for any actor ever since it was written. Many of the most notable actors that who have attempted it, left the experience convinced that the role cannot be master.

But what is it that makes the role such an incredible challenge? Well, it is Shakespeare's biggest role in his longest play, but it is not the sheer volume of the material: the problem stem from finding the consistency for the things that Hamlet does and does not want and what he does or doesn't do for them.

In short, Hamlet at times is determined to avenge his father's murder, yet when the opportunity arrives, he puts it off. He fakes madness, and moments later gives on of the most insightful critiques on the art of acting found in literature. He is at time clever and dumbfounded, wise and silly, serious and frivolous, cunning and innocent, fearless and cautious. Actors who play the role too boldly risk making his procrastination and indecision seem explicable. While those portraying him too spiritually or morally burdened risk dampening the sense of building drama Shakespeare seems to have outlined as his intention.

Why is Hamlet such a good play? Because Hamlet, himself, is such a complex and fascinating study in the human condition.