Claudius in his opening speech appears to be a self centric, hypocritic, manipulative, commanding and opinionated politician.
The themes of hierarchy, incest, and appearance versus reality are introduced in Claudius' first speech as King at the start of Scene 2, Act 1 of Shakespeare's play Hamlet and this speech is vital in establishing Claudius' character as part of the exposition. Following Horatio's interrogation of King Hamlet's spirit in the play's opening scene, the audience is left unconvinced. Shakespeare contrasts the sombre mood in Denmark to the hoopla at the palace and makes a point about Claudius' duplicity by placing Claudius' haughty speech soon after the terrible arrival of Hamlet's ghost.