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In my mind, Laertes is kind of like a German Sheperd. He is friendly to those he likes but if someone messes with his family he will strongly take action.

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This quote is from Laertes to Ophelia when Laertes tells Ophelia to watch out for Hamlets intentions. This is a classic "big brother" moment for Laertes.

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"Think it no more; | 10
| For nature, crescent, does not grow alone
| In thews and bulk, but, as this temple waxes,
| The inward service of the mind and soul
| Grows wide withal. Perhaps he loves you now,
| And now no soil nor cautel doth besmirch
| The virtue of his will: but you must fear,
| His greatness weigh'd, his will is not his own;
| For he himself is subject to his birth:
| He may not, as unvalued persons do,
| Carve for himself; for on his choice depends | 20
| The safety and health of this whole state;
| And therefore must his choice be circumscribed
| Unto the voice and yielding of that body
| Whereof he is the head. Then if he says he loves you,
| It fits your wisdom so far to believe it
| As he in his particular act and place
| May give his saying deed; which is no further
| Than the main voice of Denmark goes withal.
| Then weigh what loss your honour may sustain,
| If with too credent ear you list his songs, | 30
| Or lose your heart, or your chaste treasure open
| To his unmaster'd importunity.
| Fear it, Ophelia, fear it, my dear sister,
| And keep you in the rear of your affection,
| Out of the shot and danger of desire.
| The chariest maid is prodigal enough,
| If she unmask her beauty to the moon:
| Virtue itself 'scapes not calumnious strokes:
| The canker galls the infants of the spring,
| Too oft before their buttons be disclosed, | 40
| And in the morn and liquid dew of youth
| Contagious blastments are most imminent.
| Be wary then; best safety lies in fear:
| Youth to itself rebels, though none else near.'

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Laertes mischievous plans that he plans with Cladius is similar to the myth of the gargoyles as they protect in violent ways.

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Laertes can be easily compared to with a shield. He is noble and a protector that cares about the well beings of his loved ones.

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"Lay her i' th' earth,
And from her fair and unpolluted flesh
May violets spring! I tell thee, churlish priest,
A minist'ring angel shall my sister be
When thou liest howling."
(5.1.244-252)

This quote in context is when Laertes is arguing with the Doctor to get a good service for his sister. Although his sister committed suicide he believes shes worth a very nice service. This is just one example of Laertes undying love for his sister.

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"How came he dead? I'll not be juggled with.
To hell, allegiance! Vows, to the blackest devil!
Conscience and grace, to the profoundest pit!
I dare damnation. To this point I stand,
That both the worlds I give to negligence,
Let come what comes, only I'll be revenged
Most thoroughly for my father."
(4.5.148-154)

This is one of Laertes revenge quotes, completely blind with rage over his fathers death he swears vengeance to Hamlet.

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Laertes is a commonly misunderstood character. He is very similar in some ways to Hamlet, revenge is one of his main goals throughout the play and he treasures his family dearly. Although he does kill Hamlet with the poison, he only has good intentions. From the start he is shown to care strongly for his little sister Ophelia. He quickly warns Ophelia that Hamlet can be trouble for Ophelia, which from our perspective can be seen as rash or overprotective, but he does have very valid points. Once Ophelia gives her virginity away, back then that basically means a woman is worth less than before. To Laertes, Hamlet is a monster. Firstly killing his father and showing little remorse until his apology and then, In Laertes eyes Hamlet is fully responsible for his beloved sisters death too. Laertes loves his family very dearly and would do anything he can to protect them, which is very noble and