Laertes was very angry of his father's death and he did not think of the consequences that would follow. He wanted to just get back at Hamlet for what he did. To hell, allegiance! Vows, to the blackest devil! Conscience and grace, to the profoundest pit! I dare damnation. (4.5.141-143). Hamlet on the other hand was uncertain what to do. He recited his “ To be or not to be” soliloquy where he contemplated the consequences of what would happen to him if he killed Claudius when he was praying. Both Hamlet and Laertes want to keep Ophilia safe because they both care about her.
Laertes acts as her big brother and tries to keep her safe from Hamlet. Hamlet on the other hand loves her but he forces her to reject him so she does not have to get mixed into the political conflicts that are going on. They both reacted similarly during her funeral by both jumping in her grave and argueing over who loves her more. Hamlet states “I loved Ophelia. Forty thousand brothers Could not, with all their quantity of love, Make up my sum. What wilt thou do for her?”