Ophelia is the daughter of Polonius and was going to marry Hamlet. She was a very sheltered child so when everything starts falling apart, she does as well. Her father tried to protect her from everything. When she couldn't understand why Hamlet is upset and starts insulting her, Polonius tries to spy on him and see what's going on. Polonius ends up getting stabbed while trying to find out. Ophelia's brother, Laertes comes to see her, only to find that she has gone somewhat insane. She keeps singing strange songs and handing out flowers and herbs to everyone. She was just so young and innocent, she could not comprehend the death of her father. She drowns herself out of her grief and madness.
Ophelia really is the symbol of innocence in the play. The death of her beloved father causes her to become suicidal. Others in the play become upset over death in the play, but mostly just about themselves being killed. Hamlet is the only one who comes close to showing as much grief as Ophelia but instead of wallowing in sadness, he becomes angry and seeks to avenge his father.
Sources cited
Jameson, Mrs. "Mrs. Jameson - Essay on Ophelia (HAMLET)." Shakespeare and His Critics - Index. Web. 10 Mar. 2011. <http://shakespearean.org.uk/oph1-jam.htm>.
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