What do you think about Claudius? Consider the following:

Claudius is a clever politician and manipulator, self-serving and cynically aware, in ways that Hamlet is not, of how the world works. He is temporarily stricken with an attack of conscience after the appearance of the Players, but shortly afterwards returns his focus to his intention - solidify and maintain his status as king and authority. His death at the end of the play, unlike Hamlet's, is not to be viewed as tragic - his manipulations throughout the play seem to manifest the playwright's clear intention that he be perceived as getting what he deserves.