This is a question that is obviously very subjective to the person being asked. Anyone can have a lot of fun bouncing around ideas in regard to what animal traits they think that certain characters might possess.

Hamlet would be considered to be a contemplative sort of animal, and perhaps one that is completely ordinary. Perhaps it is because of his famous quote, but it is easy to think of Hamlet as a sparrow.

The Ghost could be seen as an owl, mysterious and ominous, and often recognized as some kind of harbinger.

Claudius no doubt brings to mind a snake or spider. He is venomous and filled with dark machinations, weaving a web of deception for his own gain.

Gertrude could be seen as an elephant. She is emotional and maternal, and deeply affected by the violence of those around her.

Ophelia is fragile, meek, and often victim to the machinations of those around her. She is best represented by a type of animal that is typically game, such as a deer.

Polonius could be seen as a chameleon. He is often insincere and false simply to maintain his position.

Finally, Laertes could be seen as a lion. He is brave, bold, and valiant in the face of Hamlet, whom he considers to be a villain. From a different vantage point, Laertes could be seen as a protagonist.

I've always thought of Polonius as being like a fox—smart, cunning, kind of cuddly in a funny way. (Yes, really).

Gertrude is a mother hen, forever moving about and clucking, making lots of noise, and quite annoying after a while.

Ophelia—poor, sweet, delicate Ophelia—is like a little swallow, ever so charming as she delightfully flutters around, but really too gentle, too fragile for this harsh, unforgiving world.

Claudius can only be one animal, really: a snake, a poisonous, cold-blooded serpent slithering its way into the Edenic paradise of Denmark under the reign of King Hamlet and spreading moral corruption everywhere.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern always remind me of a couple of puppies: playful, fun to spend time with, but also easy to control and not very bright.

Laertes is the proverbial bull in a china shop, brave and strong, and forever barging into a situation without thinking about it.

Horatio is a two-legged version of a four-legged friend: a horse. In the words of the song: "He'll never let you down / He's honest and faithful right up to the end." Sounds just like Horatio.

And then finally, what of Hamlet himself? He's a strange creature, Hamlet; he's almost like a hybrid. When it comes to making a move, he's like a sloth; in his treatment of Ophelia, he's a real snake; in devising the elaborate plan to expose Claudius, he's like the proverbial wise owl; and when he ensures that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are killed in his stead, he really does resemble a weasel.