Act i: act iv: [laertes: ] yet now, i must confess, that duty done, my thoughts and wishes bend again toward france and bow them to your gracious leave and pardon. —hamlet, william shakespeare how does laertes's character develop between act i and act iv of the play? in act i, laertes is violent and impulsive; in act iv, he is calm and thoughtful. in act i, laertes is melancholy; in act iv, he is cheerful. in act i, laertes is stubborn and disobedient; in act iv, he is obedient and respectful. in act i, laertes is calm and dutiful; in act iv, he is vengeful and does not care about rules