Polonius Act I

(First Passage) In this scene, Laertes is just now leaving to go back to France after he has a few last couple word with his sister, Ophelia. And as he just about to leave, Polonius enters and says his goodbye to Laertes. After Laertes leaves, Polonius and Ophelia have a long talk about Hamlet and what he has been up to lately. During this encounter, he really shows his true colors as a caring parent...

Polonius

If it be so (as so ’tis put on me

And that in way of caution), I must tell you,

You do not understand yourself so clearly

As it behooves my daughter and your honor.

What is between you? Give me up the truth.

Ophelia

He hath, my lord, of late made many tenders

Of his affection to me.

Polonius

Affection, puh! You speak like a green girl,

Unsifted in such perilous circumstance.

Do you believe his “tenders,” as you call them?

Ophelia

I do not know, my lord, what I should think.

Polonius

Marry, I’ll teach you. 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.
(1.3.103-118)

(Second Passage)In this Polonius is displaying his true care for Ophelia as he is her father. He wants to know more about what is going on between them and Hamlet and tries to shed some light of reality on the situation. He advices her that he is just in a phase because of his fathers death and that soon he won't be in this phase anymore and she will end up with her heart broken. Overall, Polonius is showing the reader that he a great father that can give good advice and can tell trouble when he sees it.