a hypocrite who is more concerned about his own reputation and position than the well-being of his children He tells his son to be true to himself but then advises him to be politically powerful in France He also tells Ophelia to reject Hamlet's love Polonius as a comic relief Polonius serves as a comic relief in the play providing humorous moments through his speeches and behavior He is often seen as a foolish character who is unaware of his own limitations Polonius as a victim Polonius is a victim of Hamlet's revenge plot When Hamlet mistakenly believes him to be Claudius he kills Polonius This act leads to the play's tragic ending Polonius is a complex character who acts as a politician advisor protective father hypocrite comic relief and victim in the play Hamlet His actions and decisions have significant consequences for the other characters and the overall plot of the play