To what extent can Hamlet be considered a heroic character?

Essay PlanHamlet as a heroic character: Consider what elements of his character can be viewed as heroic in light of more modern understandings of heroism. His deliberation and inaction stems from a desire to make the right choice (however it can also be seen to negate the heroic elements of his character). His apology to Laertes for his behaviour can also be seen as a mark of a hero (examine this in detail, however - how sincere can we understand this apology to be? Furthermore, consider the reasons for him needing to apologise in the first place). His desire to avenge his father would have been viewed less as a heroic act, and more as what was expected of him by Elizabethan audiences, however he does (eventually) succeed in doing so (though it could be argued that he is, in fact, only spurred into action by his mother's death, not his father's, or indeed the threat to his own life that Claudius demonstrates). His success, therefore allows him to complete his arc as a revenge hero, though his death puts an abrupt end to this narrative, and depicts him more as a tragic hero than a revenge hero.
Hamlet as a non-heroic character: Consider the understanding of genre at the time of writing and how that would have altered the perception of Hamlet's character for an Elizabethan audience. Hamlet is a Revenge Tragedy, and it can be asserted that Hamlet differs significantly from an Elizabethan audience's understanding of a revenge hero - he is slow to take action, and is much more hesitant and thoughtful than would have been expected (consider, however, whether modern audiences would consider a revenge hero particularly heroic in modern understandings of the word - refer to Amleth and the brutality of his act of revenge - is Hamlet more heroic because he doesn't conform to this trope?). Here, it would be interesting to note the difference when compared to Amleth, who exacts a more brutal revenge and lives to see the end of his story, while Hamlet does not (as mentioned above). Furthermore, consider Hamlet's treatment of Ophelia - his motive in the 'Get thee to a nunnery' scene can be examined in greater detail (consider how this is reflected in performance), and it can be argued that his intentions were to distance her from himself to protect her. He is, however, incredibly rude, and, in some productions, physically aggressive towards her - can we consider him a hero in light of this behaviour?