Laertes is a character from William Shakespeare's play, Hamlet. He is the son of Polonius and the brother of Ophelia. Laertes is known for his impulsive nature and strong sense of honor, which drives him to seek revenge for his father's death at the hands of Hamlet. In the play, Laertes returns to Denmark from France after learning about his father's murder. He quickly becomes embroiled in a conflict with Hamlet, leading to a dramatic duel. Ultimately, Laertes' quest for vengeance highlights themes of revenge and the consequences of action within the story.