Claudius- A Villain from the Beginning

Question # 2:
How early in the play, and from what passages, do you perceive that Claudius is a villain?

Claudius is set up as a villain from the very beginning of the play. As readers, we automatically do not like Claudius because of his actions (marrying his brothers widow uncomfortably soon after his death). Claudius's words only add to our dislike. The very first time we hear him speak, he speaks the deceiving words of a villainous character. His speech in regards to the King's death seems formulated and not genuine. He comes across as speaking and acting the way he feels the public expects and wants him to speak and act. He shows no sign of true grief with his actions and thus his words are interpreted as fake and formulated. Our distrust of Claudius continues to grow throughout the play with his sneaky actions and deceiving demeanor. Perhaps his ability to make himself appear genuine while acting completely the opposite is what makes Claudius such a threatening villain.