Hamlet follows the classic structure of a tragic plot (complication, conflict, crisis and climax, catastrophe, falling action, resolution/conclusion) with some important exceptions. In Hamlet, the action is probably less important than the inner world of Hamlet himself, as shown in his monologues. This makes the play very different than most other tragedies, especially revenge tragedies.
In other words, the thoughts, feelings, fears and philosophy of Hamlet are as important as what he does. In fact, it is what he doesn't do as much as what he does that is important. Hamlet puts off the revenge against his uncle again and again, which makes the tragedy much worse than it would have been if he had killed Claudius once he was told that Claudius had killed Hamlet's father.
Hamlet returns from his studies at a university after hearing that his father has died. His uncle has already married Hamlet's mother, adding to Hamlet's suffering. Then he is visited by his father's ghost, who tells him that Claudius has killed his father.
Already, there is complication and conflict. As his father's son, he must take revenge on Claudius, but Claudius is his uncle, his father's brother, his mother's husband, and the king. But he must kill him to honor his murdered father.
From that point on in the play, crises come and go as Hamlet almost takes action and then backs away to think about himself, his situation, life, death and suicide. Because of his delays other characters die who would not have died if Hamlet had simply killed Claudius when he found out that Claudius had murdered his father.
Mainly, the play does fit into the pattern of a revenge tragedy, in terms of the action which takes place in advancing the plot. However, unlike most revenge tragedies, Hamlet also thinks about killing himself, especially in the "To be or not to be" monologue.
Also, the complications and conflicts in the play are not only those between Hamlet...