In Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act I, scene three, talk about the relationships characters have to one another; support with quotes.

In Hamlet, by William Shakespeare,
the relationships between the characters in Act One, scene three (with Polonius, Laertes
and Ophelia) follow social and familial confines.

In terms
of family, the men rule Ophelia's life. This is a society where women are at the mercy
of the men in their lives: fathers, husbands, brothers, etc. Polonius as the senior
member of the family provides guidance for son and daughter. Laertes, as a male, can
also exert control over his sister. Ophelia is left with no options other than to follow
the dictates of the male members of her family. She is, more than anything, a commodity
or piece of property. The only thing she has of value, according to society—vocalized by
her brother—is her untainted virginity.

In terms of the
family, the guidelines are very similar. Polonius has authority over both children;
Laertes has authority over his sister; and, Ophelia has no power at
all.

Polonius' relationship is to Laertes is shown as he
provides lengthy advice to his son prior to his departure. (Ironically, Polonius gives
excellent advice but fails to follow it himself.) Perhaps the best piece of advice he
provides is:

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This above all: to thine own self be true,

And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be
false to any man.
(I.iii.82-84)

Polonius, as
the father and senior male, is one with the authority to give direction to his son. Had
Polonius followed this advice, he would most probably have avoided
not only his own death, but prevented his son's and daughter's deaths as
well.

Laertes' relationship to his father is seen in his
response to his dad's advice. Laertes responds with appropriate
respect.

Most
humbly do I take my leave, my lord.
(I.iii.86)

Women
during this time had no rights. First Laertes, as an older brother, warns his sister to
avoid Hamlet because he only wants to lure her to bed: he will never be able to marry
her because of their different social status, so Laertes tells Ophelia to guard her
virtue (virginity) well.

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...weigh what loss your honour may sustain

If with too credent ear you list his songs,
Or lose your heart, or
your chaste treasure open
To his unmast'red importunity.
Fear it,
Ophelia, fear it, my dear sister,
And keep you in the rear of your affection,

Out of the shot and danger of desire.
(I.iii.32-38)

Ironically,
Ophelia reminds her brother that chaste behavior is demanded of him as well. This is
something she might only be able to say to her brother. It shows that she has spirit,
though the actions of the men around her will eventually take their toll and break
her.

Ophelia must also listen to her Polonius' advice, as a
father and man. He echoes Laertes' advice, but also draws Ophelia into the deceit he and
Claudius use to attempt to ensnare Hamlet, to discover his motivations. Although
Polonius and Claudius have different reasons for their use of Ophelia, her power is
non-existent in both cases, in face of parent and King, and men, in
general.

Polonius reiterates Laertes' advice, cautioning
Ophelia to behave with Hamlet or she will lose her virginity, making
Polonius look like a fool. Neither brother or father have any real
concern for Ophelia's feelings.

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Think yourself a baby,
That you have
ta'en these tenders for true pay,
Which are not sterling. Tender yourself
more dearly,
Or—not to crack the wind of the poor phrase,
Running
it thus—you'll tender me
a fool.

The relationships are
based on family relationships and societal expectations.