Hamlet and Fortinbras as foils

In Hamlet the character of Fortinbras, a young Norwegian prince, has been used as a foil for the main character Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark. Hamlet and Fortinbras have lost their fathers to untimely deaths. Hamlet's father, King Hamlet, was killed by his uncle Claudius and Fortinbras' father was killed by King Hamlet. Both Hamlet and Fortinbras have vowed to take revenge on the death of their fathers. However, how they go about doing this …

…about Hamlet's characteristics and the way he thinks. Also, here Hamlet has finally made a decision on what to do. He has made up his mind to have only bloody thoughts instead of ones that are well thought out. Fortinbras' pursuit of his goal has given Hamlet the example on how to act if an opportunity presents itself. Hamlet is so determined to do something he does not wish to think about the consequences anymore.