Common phrases such as “You have your father's eyes” or “You have your father's laugh” are used as a means of distinguishing a child from his father, but physical characteristics are not the only determining factors. Fathers could bear no resemblance to their children and still be their biological father due to their similar behaviors or attributes. Conflicting arguments arise regarding the relationship between Hamlet and Old Hamlet, who the audience believes is Hamlet's biological father. However, there is evidence and other cases that suggest that Claudius, Gertrude's current lover, is Hamlet's natural father. Even though Hamlet is the protagonist and Claudius is the antagonist in Shakespeare's Hamlet, these characters illustrate numerous similarities that describe Claudius' true relationship with Hamlet. Hamlet and Claudius are closer than they seem through the way both men treat the women in their lives (romantically speaking), the concepts of procrastination regarding both men, the plots to kill each other, the artistry with which they both use the words, and the need that both men have to be surrounded by "advisers". Hamlet and Claudius have similar views on love and how they treat the women in their lives, especially Gertrude. As the story progresses, the audience witnesses how both of these characters are willing to sacrifice love to achieve their goal, which is to win each other over. Hamlet denies his love for Ophelia to further convey his message of madness. Even though he is acting crazy, his actions contribute to his suicide. Claudius, compared to Hamlet, is the cause of his wife's unnatural death. His motives were directed towards Hamlet's death, yet his actions accidentally take a turn for... middle of paper... what happened: “So tell him, with the happenings, more and less, / Which have urged – the rest is silence” (5.2.394-395). A deeper look at the resemblance between Claudius and Hamlet proves only one thing: Hamlet is Claudius' son. This clarifies Gertrude's innocence of the death of her first husband and hasty marriage to her second. The evidence provided is enough to prove that Claudius and Hamlet are more closely related than the audience thinks. Hamlet's behavior and actions reveal his true character which indeed echoes that of Claudius. Therefore, due to the way both men treat the women in their lives (in romantic terms), the concepts of procrastination that concern both men, the plots to kill each other, the art with which they both use words and the need that both men have to be surrounded by "advisers", Claudius is Hamlet's biological father.