In many ways these three character from Hamlet are 'foils' for Claudius, Gertrude and Hamlet. Foils are characters whose traits and personalities are opposite of those whom they are the 'foil' for. For example, both Claudius and Polonius are ambitious men who will cross many ethical lines to get what they want. The difference is that Polonius loves his family and won't sacrifice them to get ahead. Claudius will.
