The word manipulation is most commonly defined as the exercise of cunning or subtle influence primarily for one's own advantage. The most common manipulation used to influence human behavior is known as psychological manipulation. Psychological manipulation is a type of social influence that aims to change the perception or behavior of others through subtle deception. In the tragic play Hamlet by William Shakespeare, the author demonstrates the use of manipulation through the two main characters, Prince Hamlet and King Claudius. The character satisfies their needs through dishonesty and learns that the effects of manipulating others have severe consequences that can manifest into a powerful force that consumes all aspects of themselves. Just like Hamlet uses his actions to manipulate the people around him to avenge his father's death and how Claudius uses his words, actions, as well as his power as king of Denmark to manipulate people into meeting his needs. Through these characters, readers learn that by wearing a false mask of deception, they lose themselves as lies take over. Firstly, William Shakespeare in his play demonstrates the use of manipulation through the main character Hamlet. Hamlet acts like a madman to manipulate Ophelia into thinking he has gone mad. Hamlet planned to create a domino effect that would begin with Ophelia thinking she had gone mad, which would lead to her relaying this information to Polonius, further relaying it to Claudius. His actions are illustrated through this quote from the text: “Alas, my lord, I have been so frightened!... My lord, while I was sewing in my cupboard, Lord Hamlet, with his doublet all undone; No hat on your head; her stockings were dirty, garterless and pulled down…halfway down the card…the only way to honor her father Polonius is to kill Hamlet. Furthermore, as Claudius reads Hamlet's letter to Laertes, he says, “This is Hamlet's character. “Naked” And here in a postscript he says “alone”. Can you advise me?" (IV, VII, 52-53). This shows that Claudius takes advantage of Hamlet's return alone as an opportunity for Laertes to kill him. Through Claudius' actions the readers observe how he tricks Laertes into killing Hamlet in own advantage without getting blood on his hands. Furthermore, Claudius' desperation to kill Hamlet leads him to lose sight of what is important, namely being the king of Denmark, what he originally wanted, while instead the lies he told and the manipulation that he spread are now taking over. To conclude, it is evident through the work that Claudio's words and actions have only led to the spread of deception.