What are three ways in which Gertrude is portrayed as a strong character in Shakespeare's Hamlet?

There is
some debate among critics as to whetheris played as a "strong" character in
Shakespeare's . The mainin the play is, of course, , and the mainis .
Gertrude's actions before the start of the play are an essential element in the plot, but during
the play itself, she plays a subsidiary role. She does not even have a majorand during the first
few acts of the play mainly appears relatively passive, simply acceding to the schemes of
Claudius.

Critics also debate whether she was a passive accomplice to
Claudius in the murder of her husband, taking a traditionally passive and feminine role, or an
active schemer motivated primarily by lust. The second possible version of her character makes
her more evil but stronger.

Another aspect of her character that could be
considered strong is her growth in self-knowledge over the course of the play. At first, she
minimizes the gravity of her actions but in the final scene grows in self-understanding and
repents, acknowledging the evil of her acts.

Finally, another attribute of
her that might be described as strong is her intelligence. While many otherin the play lack in
awareness of themselves and other characters, she makes several intelligent comments which show
her understanding of the nature of other characters (such as the foolishness of ) and their
actions.