User:Zarapannu/sandbox

Kent and Horatio, though both are loyal friends to the "mad" protagonists of two of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies King Lear and Hamlet respectively. Kent and Horatio are close to the central characters. Kent takes on a disguise in order to stay close to Lear. Hamlet actually welcomes Horatio at court and keeps him by his side throughout the majority of the play. Kent stays as close to Lear in order to protect him as best he can from his enemies. Horatio is simply around Hamlet, as best as can be determined, to provide moral support. Kent is an actual noble in Lear's court. Horatio is neither a Dane nor a noble and is, simply Hamlet's friend from school. So, Horatio is an outsider, Kent an insider. Horatio is true and faithful and the ideal image of friend. He is always willing to help and be of service to Hamlet. The earl of Kent is a nobleman and an unselfish, devoted supporter of King Lear. Kent gets himself into trouble throughout the play by being extremely blunt and outspoken. Horatio is in truth the man Hamlet would like to be. He is smart and good, but is not driven to any extreme or rash actions because of his intellectual mind. Horatio is willing to trust people and accept the world as it comes to him but is also willing to look for truth and risk his life for those he loves just like Kent.