List of Shakespearean characters (L–Z)
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This article is an index of characters appearing in the
plays Play most commonly refers to: * Play (activity), an activity done for enjoyment * Play (theatre), a work of drama Play may refer also to: Computers and technology * Google Play, a digital content service * Play Framework, a Java framework * P ...
of
William Shakespeare William Shakespeare ( 26 April 1564 – 23 April 1616) was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's nation ...
whose names begin with the letters L to Z. Characters with names beginning with the letters A to K may be found here. NOTE: ''Characters who exist outside Shakespeare are marked "(hist)" where they are historical, and "(myth)" where they are mythical. Where that annotation is a link (e.g. ( hist)), it is a link to the page for the historical or mythical figure. The annotation "(fict)" is only used in entries for the English history plays, and indicates a character who is fictional.'' Contents: A , B , C , D , E , F , G , H , I , J , K , L , M , N , O , P , Q , R , S , T , U , V , W , Y ,
Sources Source may refer to: Research * Historical document * Historical source * Source (intelligence) or sub source, typically a confidential provider of non open-source intelligence * Source (journalism), a person, publication, publishing institute o ...
, Links __NOTOC__


L

*Lady (title): **Lady Anne ( hist) is the widow of Prince Edward, wooed by Richard over the corpse of her late father-in-law (Henry VI) in '' Richard III''. **Lady Bona ( hist) is King Lewis's sister-in-law, whose hopes to marry Edward are thwarted, in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. **Lady Capulet is Juliet's mother in '' Romeo and Juliet''. **Lady Faulconbridge (hist) confesses to her son, the Bastard, that
Richard the Lionheart Richard I (8 September 1157 – 6 April 1199) was King of England from 1189 until his death in 1199. He also ruled as Duke of Normandy, Aquitaine and Gascony, Lord of Cyprus, and Count of Poitiers, Anjou, Maine, and Nantes, and was overl ...
, and not her husband, was his true father, in '' King John''. **''For'' Lady Grey ''see Queen Elizabeth.'' ** Lady Macbeth ( hist), wife to the protagonist in '' Macbeth'', is a central character who conspires with her husband to murder Duncan. She later goes mad and dies, possibly through suicide. **
Lady Macduff Lady Macduff is a character in William Shakespeare's ''Macbeth''. She is married to Lord Macduff, the Thane of Fife. Her appearance in the play is brief: she and her son are introduced in Act IV Scene II, a climactic scene that ends with both ...
, wife to Macduff, is murdered, with her children, in '' Macbeth''. **Lady Montague is Romeo's mother in '' Romeo and Juliet''. **Lady Mortimer ( hist), daughter of Glendower and wife of Edmund Mortimer (1), sings in Welsh in '' Henry IV, Part 1''. **Lady Northumberland (hist) is the Earl of Northumberland's wife, who dissuades him from joining the rebels at Gaultree Forest in '' Henry IV, Part 2''. **Lady Percy ( hist) (sometimes called ''Kate'') is Hotspur's wife, later his widow, in '' Henry IV, Part 1'' and '' Henry IV, Part 2''. **An Old Lady (fict) is a rather worldly friend of Anne Bullen, in '' Henry VIII''. **Two ladies attend on the Queen, in '' Richard II''. **Some ladies corroborate Cornelius' report of the Queen's dying words, in ''
Cymbeline ''Cymbeline'' , also known as ''The Tragedie of Cymbeline'' or ''Cymbeline, King of Britain'', is a play by William Shakespeare set in Ancient Britain () and based on legends that formed part of the Matter of Britain concerning the early Celti ...
''. **Several ladies dance in a masque, in ''
Timon of Athens ''Timon of Athens'' (''The Life of Tymon of Athens'') is a play written by William Shakespeare and probably also Thomas Middleton in about 1606. It was published in the '' First Folio'' in 1623. Timon lavishes his wealth on parasitic companio ...
''. **''For "Lady" in
Cymbeline ''Cymbeline'' , also known as ''The Tragedie of Cymbeline'' or ''Cymbeline, King of Britain'', is a play by William Shakespeare set in Ancient Britain () and based on legends that formed part of the Matter of Britain concerning the early Celti ...
, see Helen.'' *
Laertes In Greek mythology, Laertes (; grc, Λαέρτης, Laértēs ; also spelled Laërtes) was the king of the Cephallenians, an ethnic group who lived both on the Ionian islands and on the mainland, which he presumably inherited from his father A ...
is the son of Polonius and the brother of Ophelia in ''
Hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play, with 29,551 words. Set in Denmark, the play depicts ...
''. He fights with Hamlet in the famous fencing scene in the final act. *Lafew is a French lord in '' All's Well That Ends Well''. *Lancaster: **John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster ( hist) is uncle to King Richard and father to Bolingbroke in '' Richard II''. **Prince John of Lancaster ( hist) is the younger brother of Hal in '' Henry IV, Part 1'', '' Henry IV, Part 2'', and '' Henry V''. He is also the Duke of Bedford who is Regent of France in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. **''See also Bolingbroke (Henry IV), Henry V, Henry VI, Queen Margaret, Prince Edward and Lady Anne, all of whom are either "Duke of Lancaster" or "of the House of Lancaster".'' *Titus Lartius and Cominius are leaders of the Roman forces against the Volscians in ''
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
''. *Launce is a clownish servant of Proteus, in ''
The Two Gentlemen of Verona ''The Two Gentlemen of Verona'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1589 and 1593. It is considered by some to be Shakespeare's first play, and is often seen as showing his first tentative steps in laying ...
''. He and his dog, Crab, have a tendency to steal the show. *Launcelot Gobbo is a clown in ''
The Merchant of Venice ''The Merchant of Venice'' is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598. A merchant in Venice named Antonio defaults on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender, Shylock. Although classified as ...
'', a servant to Shylock, and later to Lorenzo. *
Friar Laurence Friar Laurence or Friar Lawrence is a character in William Shakespeare's play ''Romeo and Juliet''. Role in the play Friar Laurence is a friar who plays the part of a wise adviser to Romeo and Juliet, along with aiding in major plot developments ...
is confessor and confidant to Romeo in '' Romeo and Juliet''. He instigates the unsuccessful plot involving the potion drunk by Juliet. *Lavatch is a clown in the service of the Countess of Rousillion, in '' All's Well That Ends Well''. *Lavinia is the daughter of Titus in ''
Titus Andronicus ''Titus Andronicus'' is a tragedy by William Shakespeare believed to have been written between 1588 and 1593, probably in collaboration with George Peele. It is thought to be Shakespeare's first tragedy and is often seen as his attempt to emul ...
''. She is raped by Chiron and Demetrius, her tongue is cut out and her hands cut off. *''For Lawrence see Laurence.'' *A Lawyer plucks a white rose, in the rose-plucking scene in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. *King Lear ( hist) is the central character in ''
King Lear ''King Lear'' is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. It is based on the mythological Leir of Britain. King Lear, in preparation for his old age, divides his power and land between two of his daughters. He becomes destitute and insane ...
''. He divides his kingdom among his two elder daughters, is rejected by them, runs mad, and dies. *Monsieur LeBeau is a courtier in '' As You Like It''. *Monsieur LeFer is a French soldier. Pistol hopes to ransom him in '' Henry V''. *Legate: **A Legate confers Winchester's Cardinalship (apparently obtained through bribery) in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. **''See also Pandulph.'' *Popilius Lena, a senator, briefly frightens the conspirators into a belief that their plot may have been discovered, with his line "I wish your enterprise today might thrive", in ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
''. *Lennox is a thane in '' Macbeth''. *Leonardo is Bassanio's servant in ''
The Merchant of Venice ''The Merchant of Venice'' is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598. A merchant in Venice named Antonio defaults on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender, Shylock. Although classified as ...
''. *Leonato is the governor of Messina, and the father of Hero, in ''
Much Ado About Nothing ''Much Ado About Nothing'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare thought to have been written in 1598 and 1599.See textual notes to ''Much Ado About Nothing'' in ''The Norton Shakespeare'' ( W. W. Norton & Company, 1997 ) p. 1387 The play ...
''. *Leonatus: **Posthumus Leonatus (usually just "Posthumus") is the exiled husband of Imogen, in ''
Cymbeline ''Cymbeline'' , also known as ''The Tragedie of Cymbeline'' or ''Cymbeline, King of Britain'', is a play by William Shakespeare set in Ancient Britain () and based on legends that formed part of the Matter of Britain concerning the early Celti ...
''. Persuaded she has been unfaithful, he orders Pisanio to kill her. **Sicilius Leonantus, father of Posthumus in ''
Cymbeline ''Cymbeline'' , also known as ''The Tragedie of Cymbeline'' or ''Cymbeline, King of Britain'', is a play by William Shakespeare set in Ancient Britain () and based on legends that formed part of the Matter of Britain concerning the early Celti ...
'', appears as a ghost, and pleads to Jupiter to resolve Posthumus' troubles. **''The mother of Posthumus and two brothers of Posthumus appear as ghosts in
Cymbeline ''Cymbeline'' , also known as ''The Tragedie of Cymbeline'' or ''Cymbeline, King of Britain'', is a play by William Shakespeare set in Ancient Britain () and based on legends that formed part of the Matter of Britain concerning the early Celti ...
, and plead to Jupiter to resolve Posthumus' troubles.'' *Leonine is ordered to kill Marina, by Dionyza, in ''
Pericles, Prince of Tyre ''Pericles, Prince of Tyre'' is a Jacobean play written at least in part by William Shakespeare and included in modern editions of his collected works despite questions over its authorship, as it was not included in the First Folio. It was p ...
''. She is captured by pirates before he can do so. *
Leontes King Leontes is a fictional character in Shakespeare's play ''The Winter's Tale''. He is the father of Mamillius and husband to Queen Hermione. He becomes obsessed with the belief that his wife has been having an affair with Polixenes, his child ...
is the king of Sicilia in ''
The Winter's Tale ''The Winter's Tale'' is a play by William Shakespeare originally published in the First Folio of 1623. Although it was grouped among the comedies, many modern editors have relabelled the play as one of Shakespeare's late romances. Some crit ...
''. He wrongly suspects his wife, Hermione, of infidelity. *Marcus Aemilius Lepidus ( hist) is one of the Triumvirs, the three rulers of Rome after Caesar's death, in ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
'' and '' Antony and Cleopatra''. *Lewis: **King Lewis XI of France ( hist), insulted by Edward IV's marriage to Lady Grey, allies himself with Warwick and Margaret in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. **Lewis ( hist) is the Dauphin in '' King John''. He marries John's niece, Blanche, to cement an alliance with England. Later he leads forces against John. **''Note that "Lewis" in Shakespeare is equivalent to an historical "Louis".'' *Lieutenant: **A Lieutenant (fict) hands over the Duke of Suffolk to Walter Whitmore, and therefore to his death, in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. **A Lieutenant of the Tower of London appears as Henry's jailer in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. **A Volscian Lieutenant to Aufidius questions Aufidius about his alliance in ''
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
''. **A Roman Lieutenant has one half-line in ''
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
''. **''See also Brackenbury, who is Lieutenant of the Tower of London in '' Richard III''.'' **''Numerous characters hold (or purport to hold) the rank of Lieutenant, including Michael Cassio and Bardolph.'' *Caius Ligarius ( hist) is one of the conspirators against Caesar in ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
''. *Limoges ( hist) is the Duke of Austria in '' King John''. He is intimidated – and eventually beheaded in battle – by the Bastard. *The Bishop of Lincoln ( hist) speaks in favour of Henry's divorce, in the trial scene of '' Henry VIII''. *''For Lion see Snug.'' *''For Litio see Hortensio, who calls himself Litio in his disguise as a music master.'' *Lodovico is a kinsman of Brabantio in '' Othello''. *''For Friar Lodowick in Measure for Measure see Vincentio''. *London: **The Lord Mayor of London ( hist) is fooled by Richard and Buckingham, and supports Richard's succession, in '' Richard III''. **The Mayor of London must make peace between the fighting servants of Gloucester and Winchester, in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. *Longaville ( hist), with Berowne and Dumaine, is one of the three companions of The King of Navarre in '' Love's Labour's Lost''. *Lord (title): **A Lord initiates the practical joke on Christopher Sly in the ''induction'' to ''
The Taming of the Shrew ''The Taming of the Shrew'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1592. The play begins with a framing device, often referred to as the induction, in which a mischievous nobleman tricks a drunken ...
''. **A Lord helps with the preparations for the fencing in ''
Hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play, with 29,551 words. Set in Denmark, the play depicts ...
''. **A Lord attends on the Princess of France in '' Love's Labour's Lost''. **A Lord conspires with Lennox in '' Macbeth''. **A Lord of Tarsus reports the approach of Pericles' ships, in ''
Pericles, Prince of Tyre ''Pericles, Prince of Tyre'' is a Jacobean play written at least in part by William Shakespeare and included in modern editions of his collected works despite questions over its authorship, as it was not included in the First Folio. It was p ...
''. **A Lord of Mytilene, in ''
Pericles, Prince of Tyre ''Pericles, Prince of Tyre'' is a Jacobean play written at least in part by William Shakespeare and included in modern editions of his collected works despite questions over its authorship, as it was not included in the First Folio. It was p ...
'', appears in the shipboard reconciliation scene between Pericles and Marina. **A Lord speaks four words ("It is, my lord") in ''
Much Ado About Nothing ''Much Ado About Nothing'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare thought to have been written in 1598 and 1599.See textual notes to ''Much Ado About Nothing'' in ''The Norton Shakespeare'' ( W. W. Norton & Company, 1997 ) p. 1387 The play ...
''. **A Lord who fled from the battle between the Romans and the Britons meets Posthumus, in the battle's aftermath, in ''
Cymbeline ''Cymbeline'' , also known as ''The Tragedie of Cymbeline'' or ''Cymbeline, King of Britain'', is a play by William Shakespeare set in Ancient Britain () and based on legends that formed part of the Matter of Britain concerning the early Celti ...
''. **Two Lords, together with Amiens, report Jaques' encounter with the deer in '' As You Like It''. **Two Lords are followers of Duke Frederick in '' As You Like It''. **Two Lords attend on the bragging Cloten, in ''
Cymbeline ''Cymbeline'' , also known as ''The Tragedie of Cymbeline'' or ''Cymbeline, King of Britain'', is a play by William Shakespeare set in Ancient Britain () and based on legends that formed part of the Matter of Britain concerning the early Celti ...
''. **Two Lords, the brothers Dumaine, attend the King of France before departing to the wars in '' All's Well That Ends Well'', and play an important part in the mock-interrogation of Parolles. **Three Lords of Tyre lead a revolt (of sorts) in ''
Pericles, Prince of Tyre ''Pericles, Prince of Tyre'' is a Jacobean play written at least in part by William Shakespeare and included in modern editions of his collected works despite questions over its authorship, as it was not included in the First Folio. It was p ...
'': insisting that they will make Helicanus their ruler if Pericles does not return to Tyre within one year. **Three Lords of Pentapolis comment on Pericles' unimpressive appearance prior to the tournament, in ''
Pericles, Prince of Tyre ''Pericles, Prince of Tyre'' is a Jacobean play written at least in part by William Shakespeare and included in modern editions of his collected works despite questions over its authorship, as it was not included in the First Folio. It was p ...
''. **Three Lords are among the flatterers, and false friends, of Timon in ''
Timon of Athens ''Timon of Athens'' (''The Life of Tymon of Athens'') is a play written by William Shakespeare and probably also Thomas Middleton in about 1606. It was published in the '' First Folio'' in 1623. Timon lavishes his wealth on parasitic companio ...
''. **Four Lords in '' All's Well That Ends Well'' (two of whom may be the brothers Dumaine described as "Two Lords", above) attend the King of France after he is cured, and are considered as potential husbands for Helena. **A number of Volscian Lords, three of them speaking roles, appear in the concluding scene of ''
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
'', and witness Coriolanus' death. **The Lord Chamberlain, in '' Henry VIII'' ( hist & hist) is a conflation of two historical Lords Chamberlain, one of them Lord Sandys, who is also a character in the play. **The Lord Chancellor ( hist) – historically Sir Thomas More, although not identified as such in the play – is among the
Privy Counsellors The Privy Council (PC), officially His Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council, is a formal body of advisers to the sovereign of the United Kingdom. Its membership mainly comprises senior politicians who are current or former members of ei ...
who accuse Cranmer in '' Henry VIII''. **The Lord Chief Justice ( hist) is a dramatic foil to Falstaff in '' Henry IV, Part 2''. **The Lord Mayor of London ( hist) is fooled by Richard and Buckingham, and supports Richard's succession, in '' Richard III''. **''For Lord Rivers see Earl Rivers.'' **''"Lord" is a common designation for supernumerary characters at the royal and ducal courts.'' *Lorenzo is a Christian in ''
The Merchant of Venice ''The Merchant of Venice'' is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598. A merchant in Venice named Antonio defaults on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender, Shylock. Although classified as ...
'' who elopes with Shylock's daughter, Jessica. *Lovell: **Lord Lovell ( hist) is a henchman of Richard in '' Richard III''. **Sir Thomas Lovell (hist) is a courtier of King Henry, in '' Henry VIII''. *''For'' ''Louis'' ''see Lewis.'' *Luce: **Luce is a tarty servant to Adriana in ''
The Comedy of Errors ''The Comedy of Errors'' is one of William Shakespeare's early plays. It is his shortest and one of his most farcical comedies, with a major part of the humour coming from slapstick and mistaken identity, in addition to puns and word play. ...
''. **''See also countrywomen.'' *Lucentio falls in love with Bianca, and disguises himself as a Latin master in order to woo her. They marry at the end of ''
The Taming of the Shrew ''The Taming of the Shrew'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1592. The play begins with a framing device, often referred to as the induction, in which a mischievous nobleman tricks a drunken ...
''. *Lucetta is Julia's maid in ''
The Two Gentlemen of Verona ''The Two Gentlemen of Verona'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1589 and 1593. It is considered by some to be Shakespeare's first play, and is often seen as showing his first tentative steps in laying ...
''. *Luciana in ''
The Comedy of Errors ''The Comedy of Errors'' is one of William Shakespeare's early plays. It is his shortest and one of his most farcical comedies, with a major part of the humour coming from slapstick and mistaken identity, in addition to puns and word play. ...
'' is shocked to be importuned by her brother-in-law's twin, who she believes to be her sister's husband. *''For Lucianus, see Third Player.'' *Lucilius: **Lucilius is a servant of Timon in ''
Timon of Athens ''Timon of Athens'' (''The Life of Tymon of Athens'') is a play written by William Shakespeare and probably also Thomas Middleton in about 1606. It was published in the '' First Folio'' in 1623. Timon lavishes his wealth on parasitic companio ...
''. He loves the daughter of the Old Athenian, and Titus provides him with a fortune, to make him her equal. **Lucilius is a soldier of Brutus' and Cassius' party in ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
''. He pretends to be Brutus during the battle at Philippi. *Lucio, a friend of Claudio, frequently slanders the duke in '' Measure for Measure'', and is eventually forced to marry Kate Keepdown. *Lucius: **Caius Lucius is the Roman ambassador in ''
Cymbeline ''Cymbeline'' , also known as ''The Tragedie of Cymbeline'' or ''Cymbeline, King of Britain'', is a play by William Shakespeare set in Ancient Britain () and based on legends that formed part of the Matter of Britain concerning the early Celti ...
'', and the leader of the Roman forces. **Lucius, a boy, is a servant attending on Brutus, in ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
''. **Lucius is a lord in ''
Timon of Athens ''Timon of Athens'' (''The Life of Tymon of Athens'') is a play written by William Shakespeare and probably also Thomas Middleton in about 1606. It was published in the '' First Folio'' in 1623. Timon lavishes his wealth on parasitic companio ...
'', who flatters Titus but proves a false friend. **Lucius is the son of Titus in ''
Titus Andronicus ''Titus Andronicus'' is a tragedy by William Shakespeare believed to have been written between 1588 and 1593, probably in collaboration with George Peele. It is thought to be Shakespeare's first tragedy and is often seen as his attempt to emul ...
''. He ends the play as Emperor of Rome, following the death of most major characters. **Young Lucius, son of Luicus in ''
Titus Andronicus ''Titus Andronicus'' is a tragedy by William Shakespeare believed to have been written between 1588 and 1593, probably in collaboration with George Peele. It is thought to be Shakespeare's first tragedy and is often seen as his attempt to emul ...
'', and usually cast as a child, plays a part in exposing his aunt's rapists. **''For Lucius' Servant (in
Timon of Athens ''Timon of Athens'' (''The Life of Tymon of Athens'') is a play written by William Shakespeare and probably also Thomas Middleton in about 1606. It was published in the '' First Folio'' in 1623. Timon lavishes his wealth on parasitic companio ...
), see servant.'' *Lucullus: **Lucullus is a lord in ''
Timon of Athens ''Timon of Athens'' (''The Life of Tymon of Athens'') is a play written by William Shakespeare and probably also Thomas Middleton in about 1606. It was published in the '' First Folio'' in 1623. Timon lavishes his wealth on parasitic companio ...
'', who flatters Titus but proves a false friend. **''For Lucullus' Servant, see servant'' *Sir William Lucy (fict) is a soldier and messenger for the English in France in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. *Lychorida is Thaisa's nurse, then (after Thaisa's supposed death in childbirth) Marina's nurse, in ''
Pericles, Prince of Tyre ''Pericles, Prince of Tyre'' is a Jacobean play written at least in part by William Shakespeare and included in modern editions of his collected works despite questions over its authorship, as it was not included in the First Folio. It was p ...
''. *
Lysander Lysander (; grc-gre, Λύσανδρος ; died 395 BC) was a Spartan military and political leader. He destroyed the Athenian fleet at the Battle of Aegospotami in 405 BC, forcing Athens to capitulate and bringing the Peloponnesian War to an en ...
loves Hermia in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream''. For a period in the middle of the play, under the influence of ''love in idleness'', he rejects her and loves Helena. *Lysimachus is the governor of Mytilene, in ''
Pericles, Prince of Tyre ''Pericles, Prince of Tyre'' is a Jacobean play written at least in part by William Shakespeare and included in modern editions of his collected works despite questions over its authorship, as it was not included in the First Folio. It was p ...
''. He is converted from debauchery by Marina, and eventually reunites her with her father, Pericles.


M

*Macbeth: **Macbeth ( hist) is the central character in '' Macbeth''. Influenced by the prophecies of three witches, he murders Duncan to take his place as king of Scotland. ** Lady Macbeth ( hist), wife to Macbeth, is a central character who conspires with her husband to murder Duncan. She later goes mad and dies, possibly through suicide. *Macduff: ** Macduff is the Thane of Fife in '' Macbeth''. Not being "born of woman", he fights on Malcolm's side at the end of the play, and kills Macbeth. **
Lady Macduff Lady Macduff is a character in William Shakespeare's ''Macbeth''. She is married to Lord Macduff, the Thane of Fife. Her appearance in the play is brief: she and her son are introduced in Act IV Scene II, a climactic scene that ends with both ...
, wife to Macduff, is murdered, with her children, in '' Macbeth''. ** Macduff's Son is murdered on Macbeth's orders. *Macmorris (fict) is an Irish captain in '' Henry V''. He is said to be Shakespeare's only Irish character. *Maecenas ( hist) is a follower of Caesar in '' Antony and Cleopatra''. *
Malcolm Malcolm, Malcom, Máel Coluim, or Maol Choluim may refer to: People * Malcolm (given name), includes a list of people and fictional characters * Clan Malcolm * Maol Choluim de Innerpeffray, 14th-century bishop-elect of Dunkeld Nobility * Máe ...
( hist) is the eldest son of Duncan in '' Macbeth''. *
Malvolio Malvolio is a fictional character in William Shakespeare's comedy ''Twelfth Night, or What You Will''. His name means "ill will" in Italian, referencing his disagreeable nature. He is the vain, pompous, authoritarian steward of Olivia's househo ...
is steward to, and secretly in love with, Olivia in ''
Twelfth Night ''Twelfth Night'', or ''What You Will'' is a romantic comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written around 1601–1602 as a Twelfth Night's entertainment for the close of the Christmas season. The play centres on the twins Vi ...
''. He is gulled by Maria, Sir Toby Belch, Feste, Fabian and Sir Andrew Aguecheek, and is imprisoned as a madman. *Mamillius is the young son of Leontes and Hermione whose death is reported in the trial scene of ''
The Winter's Tale ''The Winter's Tale'' is a play by William Shakespeare originally published in the First Folio of 1623. Although it was grouped among the comedies, many modern editors have relabelled the play as one of Shakespeare's late romances. Some crit ...
''. *Man: **A Man, Troilus' Servant, has one line in ''
Troilus and Cressida ''Troilus and Cressida'' ( or ) is a play by William Shakespeare, probably written in 1602. At Troy during the Trojan War, Troilus and Cressida begin a love affair. Cressida is forced to leave Troy to join her father in the Greek camp. Meanwh ...
''. **An Old Man is Gloucester's tenant, who helps with his escape, in ''
King Lear ''King Lear'' is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. It is based on the mythological Leir of Britain. King Lear, in preparation for his old age, divides his power and land between two of his daughters. He becomes destitute and insane ...
''. **An Old Man reports the supernatural happenings on the night of Duncan's murder to Ross, in '' Macbeth''. **The banter of a Porter and a Porter's Man introduces the finale – Elizabeth's christening – in '' Henry VIII''. **''Man is occasionally a designation for supernumerary characters.'' *Marcade, a French messenger brings the Princess of France the news that her father, the king, has died, in '' Love's Labour's Lost''. *Marcellus and Barnardo are soldiers who invite Horatio to see the ghost of Old Hamlet, in ''
Hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play, with 29,551 words. Set in Denmark, the play depicts ...
''. *Marcus: **Marcus Andronicus is the brother of ''
Titus Andronicus ''Titus Andronicus'' is a tragedy by William Shakespeare believed to have been written between 1588 and 1593, probably in collaboration with George Peele. It is thought to be Shakespeare's first tragedy and is often seen as his attempt to emul ...
''. **Marcus Aemilius Lepidus ( hist) is one of the Triumvirs, the three rulers of Rome after Caesar's death, in ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
'' and '' Antony and Cleopatra''. **Marcus Brutus ( hist) (''usually just Brutus'') is a central character of ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
'', who conspires against Caesar's life and stabs him. **''See also Mark, especially in the context of the Roman plays, where the two are often interchangeable. Mark Antony, for example, was historically "Marcus Antonius".'' *Mardian is a
eunuch A eunuch ( ) is a male who has been castrated. Throughout history, castration often served a specific social function. The earliest records for intentional castration to produce eunuchs are from the Sumerian city of Lagash in the 2nd millenni ...
attending on Cleopatra in '' Antony and Cleopatra''. *Margarelon is a bastard son of Priam who spares the life of Thersites in ''
Troilus and Cressida ''Troilus and Cressida'' ( or ) is a play by William Shakespeare, probably written in 1602. At Troy during the Trojan War, Troilus and Cressida begin a love affair. Cressida is forced to leave Troy to join her father in the Greek camp. Meanwh ...
''. *Margaret: **Margaret is a maid, and an unknowing accomplice in the plot against Hero, in ''
Much Ado About Nothing ''Much Ado About Nothing'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare thought to have been written in 1598 and 1599.See textual notes to ''Much Ado About Nothing'' in ''The Norton Shakespeare'' ( W. W. Norton & Company, 1997 ) p. 1387 The play ...
''. **Queen Margaret ( hist) appears as a naive girl in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
'' and as an embittered old woman in '' Richard III''. She is a central character of the two intervening plays, ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
'' and ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
'', in which she is the wife of Henry VI, and a leader of his armies. In her most notable scene she supervises the murder/execution of Richard Duke of York. *Maria: **Maria is a maid to Olivia, and the instigator of the plot against Malvolio, in ''
Twelfth Night ''Twelfth Night'', or ''What You Will'' is a romantic comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written around 1601–1602 as a Twelfth Night's entertainment for the close of the Christmas season. The play centres on the twins Vi ...
''. **Maria is a lady attending on the Princess of France in '' Love's Labour's Lost''. She becomes romantically entangled with Longaville. *Mariana: **Mariana is the jilted fiancée of Angelo, who sleeps with him in the "
bed trick The bed trick is a plot device in traditional literature and folklore; it involves a substitution of one partner in the sex act with a third person (in the words of Wendy Doniger, "going to bed with someone whom you mistake for someone else"). In ...
" in '' Measure for Measure''. **Mariana is a friend of the Widow in '' All's Well That Ends Well''. *Marina is the virtuous daughter of the hero in ''
Pericles, Prince of Tyre ''Pericles, Prince of Tyre'' is a Jacobean play written at least in part by William Shakespeare and included in modern editions of his collected works despite questions over its authorship, as it was not included in the First Folio. It was p ...
''. Sold into a brothel, she converts her customers from their lives of debauchery. *Mariners: **A number of mariners are supernumerary characters in '' The Tempest''. **''See also Sailors.'' *Mark: **Mark Antony ( hist) ''(Often just Antony, and sometimes Marcus Antonius)'' turns the mob against Caesar's killers and becomes a Triumvir in ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
''. His romance with Cleopatra drives the action of '' Antony and Cleopatra''. **''See also Marcus'' *Marquess: **The Marquess of Montague ( hist) is a follower of Warwick (his brother) in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. **''For'' Marquess of Suffolk ''see Duke of Suffolk. William De La Pole held both titles during the period dramatised by Shakespeare.'' *The Marshal of the tournament at Pentapolis is a minor character in ''
Pericles, Prince of Tyre ''Pericles, Prince of Tyre'' is a Jacobean play written at least in part by William Shakespeare and included in modern editions of his collected works despite questions over its authorship, as it was not included in the First Folio. It was p ...
''. *Sir Oliver Martext is a foolish priest in '' As You Like It''. *Martius: **Caius Martius Coriolanus ( hist) is the central character of ''
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
'', who earns the title "Coriolanus" in recognition of his skill at smiting Volscians in Coriolai. **''For Young Martius in
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
, see Boy.'' **Martius and Quintus, two sons of the title character in ''
Titus Andronicus ''Titus Andronicus'' is a tragedy by William Shakespeare believed to have been written between 1588 and 1593, probably in collaboration with George Peele. It is thought to be Shakespeare's first tragedy and is often seen as his attempt to emul ...
'', have the same story: returning from the wars they sacrifice one of Tamora's sons. They defy their father over Saturninus' claim to the hand of Lavinia. They are framed and executed for Bassianus' murder. *Marullus and Flavius are tribunes of the people, dismayed by the enthusiasm of the commoners for the return of Caesar, in the opening scene of ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
''. *Master: **A Master captains Alonso's ship, in '' The Tempest''. **A Master (fict) ransomes a gentleman in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. **''For'' Master Brook ''see Master Ford.'' **Master Ford is a central character in '' The Merry Wives of Windsor''. He suspects his wife of infidelity with Sir John Falstaff. He tests Falstaff in disguise, calling himself Master Brook. **The Master Gunner of Orleans leaves his boy in charge of the artillery, in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. **The Master Gunner's Boy kills Salisbury, in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. **Master Page is the husband of Mistress Page and the father of Anne and William in '' The Merry Wives of Windsor''. He plans to have Anne married to Slender. **''See also Captain.'' *A Mate (fict) ransomes a gentleman in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. *Matthew Gough (hist) is an enemy of Jack Cade's rebels in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. *''For Maudlin, see Countrywomen.'' *Mayor: **The Lord Mayor of London ( hist) is fooled by Richard and Buckingham, and supports Richard's succession, in '' Richard III''. **The Mayor of London must make peace between the fighting servants of Gloucester and Winchester, in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. **The Mayor of St. Albans appears briefly in the "Simpcox" episode in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. **The Mayor of York (hist) reluctantly supports the Yorkists in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. *Meg: **''See Mistress Page, who is sometimes addressed as "Meg".'' **''See also Margaret.'' *Melun (hist) is a French lord who fights for the Dauphin's party, in '' King John''. *Menas (hist) a follower of Pompey, suggests cutting loose the boat where the Triumvirs are feasting, in '' Antony and Cleopatra''. *Menecrates (hist) is a follower of Pompey in '' Antony and Cleopatra''. *Menelaus ( myth), king of Sparta and husband of the captured Helen, is one of the Greek leaders in ''
Troilus and Cressida ''Troilus and Cressida'' ( or ) is a play by William Shakespeare, probably written in 1602. At Troy during the Trojan War, Troilus and Cressida begin a love affair. Cressida is forced to leave Troy to join her father in the Greek camp. Meanwh ...
''. *Menenius Agrippa is a friend and supporter of Coriolanus in his political struggles, in ''
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
''. *Menteth is a thane in '' Macbeth''. *Merchant: **A merchant speaks well of Timon, in the opening scene of ''
Timon of Athens ''Timon of Athens'' (''The Life of Tymon of Athens'') is a play written by William Shakespeare and probably also Thomas Middleton in about 1606. It was published in the '' First Folio'' in 1623. Timon lavishes his wealth on parasitic companio ...
''. **Three merchants, one of whom is named Balthasar, add to the confusion in ''
The Comedy of Errors ''The Comedy of Errors'' is one of William Shakespeare's early plays. It is his shortest and one of his most farcical comedies, with a major part of the humour coming from slapstick and mistaken identity, in addition to puns and word play. ...
''. *
Mercutio Mercutio ( , ) is a fictional character in William Shakespeare's 1597 tragedy, ''Romeo and Juliet''. He is a close friend to Romeo and a blood relative to Prince Escalus and Count Paris. As such, Mercutio is one of the named characters in the ...
is the witty friend of Romeo, and kinsman to the Prince, in '' Romeo and Juliet''. He is killed by Tybalt. *Messala is one of the senior soldiers of Brutus' and Cassius' party, in ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
''. *Messenger: **A messenger reports the escape of Antipholus of Ephesus and Dromio of Ephesus to Adriana, in ''
The Comedy of Errors ''The Comedy of Errors'' is one of William Shakespeare's early plays. It is his shortest and one of his most farcical comedies, with a major part of the humour coming from slapstick and mistaken identity, in addition to puns and word play. ...
''. **A messenger brings a letter from Angelo to the Provost, ordering Claudio's death that night, in '' Measure for Measure''. **A messenger reports Pericles flight from Antioch to Antiochus, in ''
Pericles, Prince of Tyre ''Pericles, Prince of Tyre'' is a Jacobean play written at least in part by William Shakespeare and included in modern editions of his collected works despite questions over its authorship, as it was not included in the First Folio. It was p ...
''. **A messenger brings news of a Turkish fleet to the Venetian Senate, in '' Othello''. **A messenger delivers the heads of Quintus and Martius, and Titus' own severed hand, to ''
Titus Andronicus ''Titus Andronicus'' is a tragedy by William Shakespeare believed to have been written between 1588 and 1593, probably in collaboration with George Peele. It is thought to be Shakespeare's first tragedy and is often seen as his attempt to emul ...
''. **A messenger from Bertram briefly visits the brothers Dumaine in '' All's Well That Ends Well''. **A messenger (fict) gets a dressing-down from Katherine and Griffith for his abrupt manner, in '' Henry VIII''. **A messenger to the Roman leaders brings news of the preparations for battle against the Volsces, in ''
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
''. **Two messengers to Claudius in ''
Hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play, with 29,551 words. Set in Denmark, the play depicts ...
'' (or possibly one messenger appearing twice) bring news of Laertes' rebellious approach, and Hamlet's letter delivered by the sailors. **Two messengers appear in ''
The Two Noble Kinsmen ''The Two Noble Kinsmen'' is a Jacobean tragicomedy, first published in 1634 and attributed jointly to John Fletcher and William Shakespeare. Its plot derives from " The Knight's Tale" in Geoffrey Chaucer's '' The Canterbury Tales'', which h ...
''. One has a lengthy speech describing Arcite's first knight. **Two messengers in ''
Cymbeline ''Cymbeline'' , also known as ''The Tragedie of Cymbeline'' or ''Cymbeline, King of Britain'', is a play by William Shakespeare set in Ancient Britain () and based on legends that formed part of the Matter of Britain concerning the early Celti ...
'' (or possibly one messenger appearing twice) bring news of the Roman Ambassador's approach, and the disappearance of Imogen. **Three messengers bring bad news to the English lords at Henry V's funeral, in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. **Three messengers, two to Albany and the other to Cordelia, appear in ''
King Lear ''King Lear'' is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. It is based on the mythological Leir of Britain. King Lear, in preparation for his old age, divides his power and land between two of his daughters. He becomes destitute and insane ...
''. **Three messengers are minor characters in ''
Timon of Athens ''Timon of Athens'' (''The Life of Tymon of Athens'') is a play written by William Shakespeare and probably also Thomas Middleton in about 1606. It was published in the '' First Folio'' in 1623. Timon lavishes his wealth on parasitic companio ...
'': one negotiates Ventidius' bail, another announces Alcibiades arrival at Timon's first feast with companions, the third announces Alcibiades approach towards Athens with soldiers. **Three messengers, two English bringing messages to Talbot and York, and one French bringing a message to Talbot, appear in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. **Four messengers bring (mostly) bad news to Richard, in '' Richard III''. **Several messengers appear in ''
Much Ado About Nothing ''Much Ado About Nothing'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare thought to have been written in 1598 and 1599.See textual notes to ''Much Ado About Nothing'' in ''The Norton Shakespeare'' ( W. W. Norton & Company, 1997 ) p. 1387 The play ...
'': one of them is an important figure in the opening scene. **Numerous messengers appear in '' Antony and Cleopatra'': ***A messenger brings "News, my good lord, from Rome" in the opening scene. Antony refuses to hear him. ***Three messengers bring news to Antony of various military defeats, and of Fulvia's death. ***Two messengers bring news to Caesar of Pompey's (and his allies') naval preparations. ***One messenger is a mid-sized role: the unfortunate carrier of the message to Cleopatra that Antony has married Octavia, and who later reports (unflatteringly) on Octavia's looks and bearing. ***A messenger brings Antony news that Caesar has taken Toryne. ***A messenger summons Canidius to Antony. ***A messenger informs Caesar that Antony is come into the field. *Metellus Cimber ( hist) is one of the conspirators in ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
''. *Michael: **Michael (fict) is a follower of Jack Cade in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. **
Michael Cassio Michael Cassio, or simply Cassio (), is a fictional character in William Shakespeare's ''Othello''. The source of the character is the 1565 tale "Un Capitano Moro" by Cinthio; Cassio is unnamed in Cinthio but referred to as "the squadron leader" ...
is a lieutenant in '' Othello''. Iago persuades Othello that Cassio is having an affair with Othello's wife, Desdemona. ** Michael Williams (fict) (notably played by Michael Williams in
Kenneth Branagh Sir Kenneth Charles Branagh (; born 10 December 1960) is a British actor and filmmaker. Branagh trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and has served as its president since 2015. He has won an Academy Award, four BAFTAs (plus ...
's
film version A film adaptation is the transfer of a work or story, in whole or in part, to a feature film. Although often considered a type of derivative work, film adaptation has been conceptualized recently by academic scholars such as Robert Stam as a dia ...
) is a soldier who challenges the disguised Henry to a duel, in '' Henry V''. **Sir Michael is a minor character, a follower of the Archbishop of York, in '' Henry IV, Part 1''. *The Duke of Milan is patron to both Valentine and Proteus, and is the father of Silvia, in ''
The Two Gentlemen of Verona ''The Two Gentlemen of Verona'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1589 and 1593. It is considered by some to be Shakespeare's first play, and is often seen as showing his first tentative steps in laying ...
''. *Baptista Minola is the father of Katherine and Bianca in ''
The Taming of the Shrew ''The Taming of the Shrew'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1592. The play begins with a framing device, often referred to as the induction, in which a mischievous nobleman tricks a drunken ...
''. * Miranda is the 15-year-old daughter of Prospero in '' The Tempest''. She falls in love with
Ferdinand Ferdinand is a Germanic name composed of the elements "protection", "peace" (PIE "to love, to make peace") or alternatively "journey, travel", Proto-Germanic , abstract noun from root "to fare, travel" (PIE , "to lead, pass over"), and "co ...
. *''For'' Monmouth ''see Hal, who is sometimes called Monmouth or Harry Monmouth, after his place of birth.'' *Monsieur: **Monsieur LeBeau is a courtier in '' As You Like It''. **Monsieur LeFer is a French soldier. Pistol hopes to ransom him in '' Henry V''. *Montague: **The Marquess of Montague ( hist) is a follower of Warwick (his brother) in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. **Montague is Romeo's father, an enemy of Capulet, in '' Romeo and Juliet''. **Lady Montague is Romeo's mother in '' Romeo and Juliet''. **''See also Romeo and Benvolio.'' *Montano is the Governor of Cyprus in'' Othello''. *Sir John Montgomery (historically ''Thomas'' Montgomery) is a minor Yorkist character in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. *Montjoy (fict) is the French herald in '' Henry V''. *''For'' Moonshine ''see Robin Starveling.'' *Mopsa and Dorcas are shepherdesses, usually portrayed as rather tarty, in ''
The Winter's Tale ''The Winter's Tale'' is a play by William Shakespeare originally published in the First Folio of 1623. Although it was grouped among the comedies, many modern editors have relabelled the play as one of Shakespeare's late romances. Some crit ...
''. *Morgan (real name Belarius) steals the two infant sons of the king in ''
Cymbeline ''Cymbeline'' , also known as ''The Tragedie of Cymbeline'' or ''Cymbeline, King of Britain'', is a play by William Shakespeare set in Ancient Britain () and based on legends that formed part of the Matter of Britain concerning the early Celti ...
'', and raises them as his own. *The Prince of Morocco is an unsuccessful suitor to Portia in ''
The Merchant of Venice ''The Merchant of Venice'' is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598. A merchant in Venice named Antonio defaults on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender, Shylock. Although classified as ...
''. *Mortimer: **Edmund Mortimer (1) ( hist) is a claimant to the English throne, and a leader of the rebel forces, in '' Henry IV, Part 1''. **Edmund Mortimer (2) ( hist) explains the Yorkist claim to the crown to Richard Duke of York (1), in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. **Lady Mortimer, daughter of Glendower and wife of Edmund Mortimer (1), sings in Welsh in '' Henry IV, Part 1''. **Sir Hugh Mortimer (hist) is an uncle of Richard Duke of York (1) in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. **Sir John Mortimer (hist) is an uncle of Richard Duke of York (1) in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. **''See also Jack Cade, who falsely claims to be one John Mortimer, a claimant to the throne.'' *Morton (fict) is a messenger to the Earl of Northumberland in '' Henry IV, Part 2''. *Moth: **Moth (1) is page to Don Armado in '' Love's Labour's Lost''. **Moth (2) is a fairy in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream''. *''For'' Mother of Posthumus ''see Leonatus''. *Mouldy is nearly pressed into military service by Falstaff in '' Henry IV, Part 2''. *Mowbray: **Lord Mowbray is a rebel leader in '' Henry IV, Part 2''. **Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk ( hist) is Bolingbroke's enemy, exiled by Richard, in '' Richard II''. *Murderer: **Three murderers kill
Banquo Lord Banquo , the Thane of Lochaber, is a semi-historical character in William Shakespeare's 1606 play '' Macbeth''. In the play, he is at first an ally of Macbeth (both are generals in the King's army) and they meet the Three Witches togethe ...
, although his son
Fleance Fleance (also spelled Fléance, ) is a figure in legendary Scottish history. He was depicted by 16th-century historians as the son of Lord Banquo, Thane of Lochaber, and the ancestor of the kings of the House of Stuart. Fleance is best known a ...
escapes them, in '' Macbeth''. **Two murderers report having killed Duke Humphrey in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. **Two murderers kill Clarence on Richard's orders in '' Richard III''. *Musician: **Several musicians, one of whom is a speaking role, are made fun of by the clown in '' Othello''. **Several musicians attend on Cloten in ''
Cymbeline ''Cymbeline'' , also known as ''The Tragedie of Cymbeline'' or ''Cymbeline, King of Britain'', is a play by William Shakespeare set in Ancient Britain () and based on legends that formed part of the Matter of Britain concerning the early Celti ...
''. One of them sings "Hark, hark the lark." **''See also Simon Catling, Hugh Rebeck and James Soundpost''. **''Musicians often appear as supernumerary characters.'' *Mustardseed is a fairy in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream''. *Mutius, son of the protagonist, tries to prevent his father from pursuing Lavinia and Bassianus, but is killed by his father in ''
Titus Andronicus ''Titus Andronicus'' is a tragedy by William Shakespeare believed to have been written between 1588 and 1593, probably in collaboration with George Peele. It is thought to be Shakespeare's first tragedy and is often seen as his attempt to emul ...
''. *Several Myrmidons ( myth) kill Hector on Achilles' orders, in ''
Troilus and Cressida ''Troilus and Cressida'' ( or ) is a play by William Shakespeare, probably written in 1602. At Troy during the Trojan War, Troilus and Cressida begin a love affair. Cressida is forced to leave Troy to join her father in the Greek camp. Meanwh ...
''.


N

*''For'' Nan ''see Anne Page, who is sometimes addressed as Nan.'' *Nathaniel: **Nathaniel is a servant of Petruchio in ''
The Taming of the Shrew ''The Taming of the Shrew'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1592. The play begins with a framing device, often referred to as the induction, in which a mischievous nobleman tricks a drunken ...
'' of Holofernes. He appears as Alexander the Conqueror in the pageant of the Nine Worthies. *The King of Navarre (Ferdinand, loosely based on Henry III) and his three noble companions, Berowne, Dumaine, and Longaville, vow to study and fast for three years, at the outset of '' Love's Labour's Lost''. *Ned: **Ned Poins (fict) is a highwayman, and a close companion of Hal, in '' Henry IV, Part 1'' and '' Henry IV, Part 2''. **''See also Edward.'' **''See also Boy.'' *Nell: **''See Mistress Quickly, whose first name is Nell.'' **''A "Nell" is unflatteringly described by Doromio of Syracuse in
The Comedy of Errors ''The Comedy of Errors'' is one of William Shakespeare's early plays. It is his shortest and one of his most farcical comedies, with a major part of the humour coming from slapstick and mistaken identity, in addition to puns and word play. ...
: she may be the same person as the character Luce, misnamed.'' **''See also Countrywomen.'' **''See also Helen.'' *Nerissa is Portia's maid in ''
The Merchant of Venice ''The Merchant of Venice'' is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598. A merchant in Venice named Antonio defaults on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender, Shylock. Although classified as ...
''. She marries Gratiano. She disguises herself as a page when Portia disguises herself as a lawyer. *Nestor ( myth) is an elderly Greek leader in ''
Troilus and Cressida ''Troilus and Cressida'' ( or ) is a play by William Shakespeare, probably written in 1602. At Troy during the Trojan War, Troilus and Cressida begin a love affair. Cressida is forced to leave Troy to join her father in the Greek camp. Meanwh ...
''. *Nicholas/Nick: **Nicholas is a servant of Petruchio in ''
The Taming of the Shrew ''The Taming of the Shrew'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1592. The play begins with a framing device, often referred to as the induction, in which a mischievous nobleman tricks a drunken ...
''. **Nick (fict) is a follower of Jack Cade in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. **
Nick Bottom Nick Bottom is a character in Shakespeare's ''A Midsummer Night's Dream'' who provides comic relief throughout the play. A weaver by trade, he is famously known for getting his head transformed into that of a donkey by the elusive Puck. Bott ...
is a weaver, one of the mechanicals, in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream''. While rehearsing a play, Puck changes Bottom's head for an ass's head. Titania falls in love with him. He plays Pyramus in ''Pyramus and Thisbe''. **Sir Nicholas Vaux ( hist) is a minor character in the scene leading to Buckingham's execution, in '' Henry VIII''. *''For Nim see Nym.'' *''For Ninacor in
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
, see Roman.'' *A Nobleman (fict) brings news of Henry's arrest to the Yorkist leaders in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. *Norfolk: **The Duke of Norfolk ( hist) is a supporter of the Yorkists in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
'' and '' Richard III''. **The Duke of Norfolk ( hist & hist) is an associate of Buckingham in '' Henry VIII''. **Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk ( hist) is Bolingbroke's enemy, exiled by Richard, in '' Richard II''. *Northumberland: **The Earl of Northumberland, Henry Percy, ( hist) is an important character in '' Richard II'', where he is Bolingbroke's chief ally, and in '' Henry IV, Part 1'' and '' Henry IV, Part 2'', in which he leads the rebellion against his former ally, who is now king. **The Earl of Northumberland ( hist) fights for the Lancastrians in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. **Lady Northumberland (hist) is the Earl of Northumberland's wife, who dissuades him from joining the rebels at Gaultree Forest in '' Henry IV, Part 2''. **''See also Seyward in Macbeth.'' *Nurse: ** The Nurse is a bawdy comic character, and a confidante of Juliet, in '' Romeo and Juliet''. **The Nurse helps to deliver Aaron's son to Tamora, in ''
Titus Andronicus ''Titus Andronicus'' is a tragedy by William Shakespeare believed to have been written between 1588 and 1593, probably in collaboration with George Peele. It is thought to be Shakespeare's first tragedy and is often seen as his attempt to emul ...
''. Aaron murders her. * Nym (fict) is a follower of Sir John Falstaff in '' The Merry Wives of Windsor'', and a companion of Pistol and Bardolph in '' Henry V''. *Several nymphs ( myth) dance in the masque in '' The Tempest'', and are part of the wedding procession which opens ''
The Two Noble Kinsmen ''The Two Noble Kinsmen'' is a Jacobean tragicomedy, first published in 1634 and attributed jointly to John Fletcher and William Shakespeare. Its plot derives from " The Knight's Tale" in Geoffrey Chaucer's '' The Canterbury Tales'', which h ...
''.


O

*Hugh Oatcake is a member of the Watch in ''
Much Ado About Nothing ''Much Ado About Nothing'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare thought to have been written in 1598 and 1599.See textual notes to ''Much Ado About Nothing'' in ''The Norton Shakespeare'' ( W. W. Norton & Company, 1997 ) p. 1387 The play ...
''. *
Oberon Oberon () is a king of the fairies in medieval and Renaissance literature. He is best known as a character in William Shakespeare's play ''A Midsummer Night's Dream'', in which he is King of the Fairies and spouse of Titania, Queen of the Fairi ...
( myth) is king of the fairies in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream''. *Octavia ( hist), sister of Octavius, marries Mark Antony when he is widowed in '' Antony and Cleopatra''. Their marriage causes great distress to Antony's lover, Cleopatra. *Octavius Caesar ( hist) is one of the Triumvirs, the three rulers of Rome after Caesar's death, in ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
'' and '' Antony and Cleopatra''. *Officer: **First Officer attends the Venetian Senate in '' Othello''. **An officer arrests Antipholus of Ephesus for debt in ''
The Comedy of Errors ''The Comedy of Errors'' is one of William Shakespeare's early plays. It is his shortest and one of his most farcical comedies, with a major part of the humour coming from slapstick and mistaken identity, in addition to puns and word play. ...
''. **Two officers in Orsino's service arrest Antonio in ''
Twelfth Night ''Twelfth Night'', or ''What You Will'' is a romantic comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written around 1601–1602 as a Twelfth Night's entertainment for the close of the Christmas season. The play centres on the twins Vi ...
''. **Two officers discuss Coriolanus' prospects of becoming consul in ''
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
''. **Two officers, of whom only Second Officer is a speaking role, appear in the last act of ''
King Lear ''King Lear'' is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. It is based on the mythological Leir of Britain. King Lear, in preparation for his old age, divides his power and land between two of his daughters. He becomes destitute and insane ...
''. **Several officers support the Mayor of London in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. One of them reads a proclamation. *Old: **An Old Athenian objects to his daughter's involvement with Lucilius, until Timon offers to endow Lucilius with money to make him her equal, in ''
Timon of Athens ''Timon of Athens'' (''The Life of Tymon of Athens'') is a play written by William Shakespeare and probably also Thomas Middleton in about 1606. It was published in the '' First Folio'' in 1623. Timon lavishes his wealth on parasitic companio ...
''. **Old Capulet is a minor character – a kinsman of Capulet – in the party scene of '' Romeo and Juliet''. **Old Clifford ( hist), father of Clifford, is a Lancastrian leader in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. **Old Gobbo, the blind old father of Launcelot Gobbo, is a clown in ''
The Merchant of Venice ''The Merchant of Venice'' is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598. A merchant in Venice named Antonio defaults on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender, Shylock. Although classified as ...
''. ** Old Hamlet ( myth) is the father of the title character in ''
Hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play, with 29,551 words. Set in Denmark, the play depicts ...
''. His ghost appears to exhort Hamlet to revenge Old Hamlet's murder by Claudius. **An Old Lady (fict) is a rather worldly friend of Anne Bullen, in '' Henry VIII''. **An Old Man is Gloucester's tenant, who helps with his escape, in ''
King Lear ''King Lear'' is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. It is based on the mythological Leir of Britain. King Lear, in preparation for his old age, divides his power and land between two of his daughters. He becomes destitute and insane ...
''. **An Old Man reports the supernatural happenings on the night of Duncan's murder to Ross, in '' Macbeth''. **Old Shepherd is the kindly father of the Clown in ''
The Winter's Tale ''The Winter's Tale'' is a play by William Shakespeare originally published in the First Folio of 1623. Although it was grouped among the comedies, many modern editors have relabelled the play as one of Shakespeare's late romances. Some crit ...
'', who adopts the abandoned Perdita as his daughter. *Oliver: **Oliver begins '' As You Like It'' as a villain: the cruel older brother to Orlando. He later repents, and marries Celia. **Sir Oliver Martext is a foolish priest in '' As You Like It''. *Olivia is a countess, loved by Orsino but in love with Cesario (the male persona of Viola) in ''
Twelfth Night ''Twelfth Night'', or ''What You Will'' is a romantic comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written around 1601–1602 as a Twelfth Night's entertainment for the close of the Christmas season. The play centres on the twins Vi ...
''. *One is the speech prefix of a very minor character who speaks to the Porter from offstage, in '' Henry VIII''. *
Ophelia Ophelia () is a character in William Shakespeare's drama '' Hamlet'' (1599–1601). She is a young noblewoman of Denmark, the daughter of Polonius, sister of Laertes and potential wife of Prince Hamlet, who, due to Hamlet's actions, ends u ...
, in ''
Hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play, with 29,551 words. Set in Denmark, the play depicts ...
'', is a former lover of Hamlet, who is rejected by him, and who goes mad following her father's death at Hamlet's hands. She drowns, possibly a suicide. *
Orlando Orlando () is a city in the U.S. state of Florida and is the county seat of Orange County. In Central Florida, it is the center of the Orlando metropolitan area, which had a population of 2,509,831, according to U.S. Census Bureau figures re ...
is the male romantic lead in '' As You Like It''. *Orleans: **The Duke of Orleans ( hist) fights on the French side in '' Henry V''. **The Master Gunner of Orleans leaves his boy in charge of the artillery, in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. *Orsino is the Duke of Illyria, loved by Viola but in love with Olivia, in ''
Twelfth Night ''Twelfth Night'', or ''What You Will'' is a romantic comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written around 1601–1602 as a Twelfth Night's entertainment for the close of the Christmas season. The play centres on the twins Vi ...
''. *Osric is a courtier, treated with contempt by Hamlet in ''
Hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play, with 29,551 words. Set in Denmark, the play depicts ...
''. *Oswald is a servant of Gonerill, most noted for getting into fights and losing them, in ''
King Lear ''King Lear'' is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. It is based on the mythological Leir of Britain. King Lear, in preparation for his old age, divides his power and land between two of his daughters. He becomes destitute and insane ...
''. * Othello is the title character of '' Othello''. A Moorish general in the Venetian army, he is persuaded by Iago that his wife Desdemona is having an affair with Michael Cassio. *Some Outlaws, three of which are speaking roles, initially try to rob Valentine, but decide to invite him to be their leader, in ''
The Two Gentlemen of Verona ''The Two Gentlemen of Verona'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1589 and 1593. It is considered by some to be Shakespeare's first play, and is often seen as showing his first tentative steps in laying ...
''. *Mistress Overdone is a brothel keeper in '' Measure for Measure''. *Owen Glendower ( hist), a warrior and magician who tries the patience of Hotspur, leads the Welsh forces in the rebellion in '' Henry IV, Part 1''. *The Earl of Oxford ( hist) is a staunch Lancastrian, supporting Henry in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
'', and Richmond in '' Richard III''.


P

*Page: **A page (fict) procures the services of Tyrrell for King Richard in '' Richard III''. **A page pretends to be Christopher Sly's lady, in the ''induction'' to ''
The Taming of the Shrew ''The Taming of the Shrew'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1592. The play begins with a framing device, often referred to as the induction, in which a mischievous nobleman tricks a drunken ...
''. **A page to Paris witnesses the start of the conflict between Romeo and Paris, and summons watchmen to the scene, in '' Romeo and Juliet''. **A page to the Countess of Rousillion is a very minor role in '' All's Well That Ends Well''. **A page appears briefly in ''
Timon of Athens ''Timon of Athens'' (''The Life of Tymon of Athens'') is a play written by William Shakespeare and probably also Thomas Middleton in about 1606. It was published in the '' First Folio'' in 1623. Timon lavishes his wealth on parasitic companio ...
''. **Two pages encounter Touchstone, and sing ''It Was A Lover And His Lass'', in '' As You Like It''. **Anne Page is the daughter of Master and Mistress Page in '' The Merry Wives of Windsor''. She loves Fenton, but her father wishes her to marry Slender and her mother wishes her to marry Caius. **Gardiner's Page is a minor role in '' Henry VIII''. **Master Page is the husband of Mistress Page and the father of Anne and William in '' The Merry Wives of Windsor''. He plans to have Anne married to Slender. **Mistress Page, wife of Master Page, is a title character in '' The Merry Wives of Windsor''. She conspires with Mistress Ford to punish Falstaff's lechery. She plans to have Anne married to Doctor Caius. **William Page is a minor youthful comic character, the son of Master and Mistress Page, and the younger brother of Anne Page in '' The Merry Wives of Windsor''. **''See also The Boy, who is sometimes "the page" or "Falstaff's page".'' *A Painter and a Poet obtain the patronage of Timon in ''
Timon of Athens ''Timon of Athens'' (''The Life of Tymon of Athens'') is a play written by William Shakespeare and probably also Thomas Middleton in about 1606. It was published in the '' First Folio'' in 1623. Timon lavishes his wealth on parasitic companio ...
''. They return to him, in the woods, having heard rumours that he has found gold. *Palamon and Arcite are the title characters of ''
The Two Noble Kinsmen ''The Two Noble Kinsmen'' is a Jacobean tragicomedy, first published in 1634 and attributed jointly to John Fletcher and William Shakespeare. Its plot derives from " The Knight's Tale" in Geoffrey Chaucer's '' The Canterbury Tales'', which h ...
''. Their friendship endures even though they engage in a mortal quarrel for the love of Emilia. *
Pandarus Pandarus or Pandar (Ancient Greek: Πάνδαρος ''Pándaros'') is a Trojan aristocrat who appears in stories about the Trojan War. In Homer's ''Iliad'' he is portrayed as an energetic and powerful warrior, but in medieval literature he b ...
( myth) procures an assignation between his niece Cressida and the prince Troilus, in ''
Troilus and Cressida ''Troilus and Cressida'' ( or ) is a play by William Shakespeare, probably written in 1602. At Troy during the Trojan War, Troilus and Cressida begin a love affair. Cressida is forced to leave Troy to join her father in the Greek camp. Meanwh ...
''. *A Pander and a Bawd run the brothel into which Marina is sold, in ''
Pericles, Prince of Tyre ''Pericles, Prince of Tyre'' is a Jacobean play written at least in part by William Shakespeare and included in modern editions of his collected works despite questions over its authorship, as it was not included in the First Folio. It was p ...
''. *Cardinal Pandulph ( hist) is the Papal legate in '' King John''. He incites the Dauphin against John, but later tries to placate him. *Panthino is a servant of Antonio in ''
The Two Gentlemen of Verona ''The Two Gentlemen of Verona'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1589 and 1593. It is considered by some to be Shakespeare's first play, and is often seen as showing his first tentative steps in laying ...
''. *Paris: **The Governor of Paris has an oath of allegiance administered to him by Gloucester (but has no lines of his own) in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. **Paris ( myth) has captured Helen – Menelaus' wife – and they live together as lovers in Troy. This is the cause of the lengthy wars fought in ''
Troilus and Cressida ''Troilus and Cressida'' ( or ) is a play by William Shakespeare, probably written in 1602. At Troy during the Trojan War, Troilus and Cressida begin a love affair. Cressida is forced to leave Troy to join her father in the Greek camp. Meanwh ...
''. **
Paris Paris () is the Capital city, capital and List of communes in France with over 20,000 inhabitants, most populous city of France, with an estimated population of 2,165,423 residents in 2019 in an area of more than 105 km² (41 sq mi), ma ...
is a suitor to Juliet in '' Romeo and Juliet''. He is killed by Romeo. **Paris' Servant has a clownish exchange with Pandarus in ''
Troilus and Cressida ''Troilus and Cressida'' ( or ) is a play by William Shakespeare, probably written in 1602. At Troy during the Trojan War, Troilus and Cressida begin a love affair. Cressida is forced to leave Troy to join her father in the Greek camp. Meanwh ...
''. **''For Paris' Page (in Romeo and Juliet), see Page.'' *Parolles is a cowardly braggart soldier, a companion of Bertram, in '' All's Well That Ends Well''. *''For'' Parson Hugh ''see Sir Hugh Evans.'' *Patience (fict) is an attendant on Katherine, in '' Henry VIII''. *The Roman Patricians, of whom only one has individual lines, appear in ''
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
''. *Patroclus ( myth) is the friend, or "masculine whore", of Achilles in ''
Troilus and Cressida ''Troilus and Cressida'' ( or ) is a play by William Shakespeare, probably written in 1602. At Troy during the Trojan War, Troilus and Cressida begin a love affair. Cressida is forced to leave Troy to join her father in the Greek camp. Meanwh ...
''. *Paulina, strong-willed and good-hearted, is an important foil to Leontes in ''
The Winter's Tale ''The Winter's Tale'' is a play by William Shakespeare originally published in the First Folio of 1623. Although it was grouped among the comedies, many modern editors have relabelled the play as one of Shakespeare's late romances. Some crit ...
''. In the last act, she reveals the statue of Hermione. *Peaseblossom is a fairy in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream''. *The Pedant disguises himself as Vincentio (Lucentio's father) in ''
The Taming of the Shrew ''The Taming of the Shrew'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1592. The play begins with a framing device, often referred to as the induction, in which a mischievous nobleman tricks a drunken ...
'', to act as father to Tranio, who has disguised himself as Lucentio. *Don Pedro is the prince of Arragon in ''
Much Ado About Nothing ''Much Ado About Nothing'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare thought to have been written in 1598 and 1599.See textual notes to ''Much Ado About Nothing'' in ''The Norton Shakespeare'' ( W. W. Norton & Company, 1997 ) p. 1387 The play ...
''. *Pembroke: **The Earl of Pembroke ( hist), together with Salisbury and Bigot, fear for the life of young Arthur, and later discover his body, in '' King John''. **The Earl of Pembroke ( hist) is a non-speaking Yorkist in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. *Percy: **The Earl of Northumberland, Henry Percy, ( hist) is an important character in '' Richard II'', where he is Bolingbroke's chief ally, and in '' Henry IV, Part 1'' and '' Henry IV, Part 2'', in which he leads the rebellion against his former ally, who is now king. **Hotspur or Harry Percy ( hist), brave and chivalrous but hot-headed and sometimes comical, is an important foil to Hal, and leader of the rebel forces, in '' Henry IV, Part 1''. **Lady Percy (hist) (sometimes called ''Kate'') is Hotspur's wife, later his widow, in '' Henry IV, Part 1'' and '' Henry IV, Part 2''. **''For Thomas Percy, see Earl of Worcester.'' **''See also Lady Northumberland.'' * Perdita is the infant daughter of Leontes, abandoned in Bohemia, in ''
The Winter's Tale ''The Winter's Tale'' is a play by William Shakespeare originally published in the First Folio of 1623. Although it was grouped among the comedies, many modern editors have relabelled the play as one of Shakespeare's late romances. Some crit ...
''. She grows up to marry Florizel and is reconciled to her father. *Pericles is the central character of ''
Pericles, Prince of Tyre ''Pericles, Prince of Tyre'' is a Jacobean play written at least in part by William Shakespeare and included in modern editions of his collected works despite questions over its authorship, as it was not included in the First Folio. It was p ...
''. In an unfortunate series of adventures, he loses his wife and his daughter, but is eventually reunited with them. *Peter: **Friar Peter assists Isabella and Mariana in the final act of '' Measure for Measure''. **Peter is a servant of Petruchio in ''
The Taming of the Shrew ''The Taming of the Shrew'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1592. The play begins with a framing device, often referred to as the induction, in which a mischievous nobleman tricks a drunken ...
''. **Peter is a clownish servant of Capulet who attends on the nurse in '' Romeo and Juliet''. **Peter of Pomfret is a prophet in '' King John''. John orders his hanging upon hearing he has predicted that John will yield up his crown. **
Peter Quince Peter Quince is a character in William Shakespeare's ''A Midsummer Night's Dream''. He is one of the six mechanicals of Athens who perform the play which Quince himself authored, "The Most Lamentable Comedy and Most Cruel Death of Pyramus and This ...
is a carpenter in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream''. He plays the prologue to ''Pyramus and Thisbe''. **Peter Thump (fict) fights a duel with his master Thomas Horner in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. **''See also Simple, whose first name is Peter.'' *Peto (fict) is a follower of Sir John Falstaff in '' Henry IV, Part 1'' and '' Henry IV, Part 2''. *
Petruchio Petruchio (an anglicisation of the Italian name Petruccio; ) is the male protagonist in Shakespeare's '' The Taming of the Shrew'' (c. 1590–1594). Petruchio is a fortune seeker who enters into a marriage with a strong-willed young woman ...
is the central male character in ''
The Taming of the Shrew ''The Taming of the Shrew'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1592. The play begins with a framing device, often referred to as the induction, in which a mischievous nobleman tricks a drunken ...
'', who "tames" the title character, Katherine. * Philostrate is master of the revels to Theseus in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream''. *Phebe is a shepherdess, loved by Silvius but who falls in love with the disguised Rosalind, in '' As You Like It''. *Philario is an Italian friend of Posthumus, who introduces him to Jachimo, in''
Cymbeline ''Cymbeline'' , also known as ''The Tragedie of Cymbeline'' or ''Cymbeline, King of Britain'', is a play by William Shakespeare set in Ancient Britain () and based on legends that formed part of the Matter of Britain concerning the early Celti ...
''. *Philemon is a servant of Cerimon, in ''
Pericles, Prince of Tyre ''Pericles, Prince of Tyre'' is a Jacobean play written at least in part by William Shakespeare and included in modern editions of his collected works despite questions over its authorship, as it was not included in the First Folio. It was p ...
''. *Philip: **King Philip of France ( hist) allies himself with Constance in support of Arthur's claim, but later makes peace with John in '' King John''. **Philip (the Bastard) Faulconbridge (fict) is a central character in '' King John'', the bravest and most articulate of John's supporters. **Philip is a servant of Petruchio in ''
The Taming of the Shrew ''The Taming of the Shrew'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1592. The play begins with a framing device, often referred to as the induction, in which a mischievous nobleman tricks a drunken ...
''. *Philo and Demetrius, Romans following Antony, regret his infatuation with Cleopatra in'' Antony and Cleopatra''. *Philotus is a servant, sent to extract payment of a debt from ''
Timon of Athens ''Timon of Athens'' (''The Life of Tymon of Athens'') is a play written by William Shakespeare and probably also Thomas Middleton in about 1606. It was published in the '' First Folio'' in 1623. Timon lavishes his wealth on parasitic companio ...
''. *Phrynia and Timandra are whores, or mistresses of Alcibiades, in''
Timon of Athens ''Timon of Athens'' (''The Life of Tymon of Athens'') is a play written by William Shakespeare and probably also Thomas Middleton in about 1606. It was published in the '' First Folio'' in 1623. Timon lavishes his wealth on parasitic companio ...
''. *Sir Piers of Exton (fict) murders the deposed King Richard in '' Richard II''. *Pinch is a conjuror in ''
The Comedy of Errors ''The Comedy of Errors'' is one of William Shakespeare's early plays. It is his shortest and one of his most farcical comedies, with a major part of the humour coming from slapstick and mistaken identity, in addition to puns and word play. ...
''. *Pindarus is a servant of Cassius, in ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
''. He aids Cassius' suicide, at Philippi. *Three Pirates rescue Marina from Leonine, then sell her to a brothel at Mytilene, in ''
Pericles, Prince of Tyre ''Pericles, Prince of Tyre'' is a Jacobean play written at least in part by William Shakespeare and included in modern editions of his collected works despite questions over its authorship, as it was not included in the First Folio. It was p ...
''. *Pirithous ( myth) is a friend of Theseus, in ''
The Two Noble Kinsmen ''The Two Noble Kinsmen'' is a Jacobean tragicomedy, first published in 1634 and attributed jointly to John Fletcher and William Shakespeare. Its plot derives from " The Knight's Tale" in Geoffrey Chaucer's '' The Canterbury Tales'', which h ...
''. *Pisanio, the servant of Posthumus, is ordered to murder Imogen, but instead spares her and disguises her as Fidele, in ''
Cymbeline ''Cymbeline'' , also known as ''The Tragedie of Cymbeline'' or ''Cymbeline, King of Britain'', is a play by William Shakespeare set in Ancient Britain () and based on legends that formed part of the Matter of Britain concerning the early Celti ...
''. *Pistol (fict) is a follower of Sir John Falstaff in '' Henry IV, Part 2'' and '' The Merry Wives of Windsor''. He is married to Mistress Quickly, and is a soldier in conflict with Fluellen, in '' Henry V''. *Player: **First Player or Player King leads the company which visits Elsinore in ''
Hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play, with 29,551 words. Set in Denmark, the play depicts ...
''. He reads an excerpt as Priam, and plays the king in ''The Mousetrap''. **Second Player or Player Queen, in ''
Hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play, with 29,551 words. Set in Denmark, the play depicts ...
'', plays the queen in ''The Mousetrap''. **Third Player, in ''
Hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play, with 29,551 words. Set in Denmark, the play depicts ...
'', plays Lucianus in ''The Mousetrap''. **Fourth Player, in ''
Hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play, with 29,551 words. Set in Denmark, the play depicts ...
'', reads the prologue to ''The Mousetrap''. **A Player appears in the ''induction'' to ''
The Taming of the Shrew ''The Taming of the Shrew'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1592. The play begins with a framing device, often referred to as the induction, in which a mischievous nobleman tricks a drunken ...
''. **''A number of characters are players, including, in a sense, the whole cast (except for those in the induction) of
The Taming of the Shrew ''The Taming of the Shrew'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1592. The play begins with a framing device, often referred to as the induction, in which a mischievous nobleman tricks a drunken ...
.'' *Plebeians: **A mob of Plebeians, four of them individual speaking roles, hear the funeral orations of Brutus and Antony, in ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
''. **''For'' ''Plebeians'' ''in
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
, see Citizens.'' *Poet: **A Poet and a Painter obtain the patronage of Timon in ''
Timon of Athens ''Timon of Athens'' (''The Life of Tymon of Athens'') is a play written by William Shakespeare and probably also Thomas Middleton in about 1606. It was published in the '' First Folio'' in 1623. Timon lavishes his wealth on parasitic companio ...
''. They return to him, in the woods, having heard rumours that he has found gold. **A Poet appears briefly in ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
'', begging Brutus and Cassius to be friends. **''See also Cinna the Poet.'' * Ned Poins (fict) is a highwayman, and a close companion of Hal, in '' Henry IV, Part 1'' and '' Henry IV, Part 2''. *The Duke of Suffolk (William de la Pole) ( hist) is a manipulative character, loved by Queen Margaret, in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
'' and ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. *Polixines is the
King of Bohemia The Duchy of Bohemia was established in 870 and raised to the Kingdom of Bohemia in 1198. Several Bohemian monarchs ruled as non-hereditary kings beforehand, first gaining the title in 1085. From 1004 to 1806, Bohemia was part of the Holy Roman E ...
in ''
The Winter's Tale ''The Winter's Tale'' is a play by William Shakespeare originally published in the First Folio of 1623. Although it was grouped among the comedies, many modern editors have relabelled the play as one of Shakespeare's late romances. Some crit ...
''. Leontes wrongly believes that Polixines and Hermione are having an affair. *
Polonius Polonius is a character in William Shakespeare's play ''Hamlet''. He is chief counsellor of the play's ultimate villain, Claudius, and the father of Laertes and Ophelia. Generally regarded as wrong in every judgment he makes over the course o ...
is a chief adviser in the court of King Claudius in ''
Hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play, with 29,551 words. Set in Denmark, the play depicts ...
'', and is the father of Ophelia and Laertes. He is killed by Hamlet, who stabs him through an arras while he is eavesdropping on a conversation between Hamlet and Gertrude. *Polydore (real name Guiderius) is the true heir in ''
Cymbeline ''Cymbeline'' , also known as ''The Tragedie of Cymbeline'' or ''Cymbeline, King of Britain'', is a play by William Shakespeare set in Ancient Britain () and based on legends that formed part of the Matter of Britain concerning the early Celti ...
'', stolen away in infancy by Morgan, and brought up as Morgan's child. *Peter of Pomfret is a prophet in '' King John''. John orders his hanging upon hearing he has predicted that John will yield up his crown. *Pompey: **Pompey is a clown, servant to Mistress Overdone in '' Measure for Measure''. **Pompey or Sextus Pompeius ( hist) is the enemy of the Triumvirate in '' Antony and Cleopatra''. **''See also Costard, who plays Pompey in the masque of the Nine Worthies.'' *''For'' Poor Tom ''see Edgar.'' *Popilius Lena, a senator, briefly frightens the conspirators into a belief that their plot may have been discovered, with his line "I wish your enterprise today might thrive", in ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
''. *Porter: **A Porter to the Countess of Auvergne locks the doors, believing that he has thereby made Talbot prisoner, in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. **The Porter is a clown in '' Macbeth''. **The banter of a Porter and a Porter's Man introduces the finale – Elizabeth's christening – in '' Henry VIII''. *Portia: ** Portia is the central female character in ''
The Merchant of Venice ''The Merchant of Venice'' is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598. A merchant in Venice named Antonio defaults on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender, Shylock. Although classified as ...
''. She disguises herself as a lawyer in an attempt to thwart Shylock's attempt on Antonio's life. ** Portia ( hist) is the wife of Brutus in ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
''. *Posthumus Leonatus (usually just "Posthumus") is the exiled husband of Imogen, in ''
Cymbeline ''Cymbeline'' , also known as ''The Tragedie of Cymbeline'' or ''Cymbeline, King of Britain'', is a play by William Shakespeare set in Ancient Britain () and based on legends that formed part of the Matter of Britain concerning the early Celti ...
''. Persuaded she has been unfaithful, he orders Pisanio to kill her. *''For Potpan, see Servingmen.'' *''For Presenter see John Gower.'' *Priam: **Priam ( myth) is the king of Troy in ''
Troilus and Cressida ''Troilus and Cressida'' ( or ) is a play by William Shakespeare, probably written in 1602. At Troy during the Trojan War, Troilus and Cressida begin a love affair. Cressida is forced to leave Troy to join her father in the Greek camp. Meanwh ...
''. **''See also Player King.'' *Priest: **A Priest converses briefly with Lord Hastings in '' Richard III''. **A Priest presides over Ophelia's burial in ''
Hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play, with 29,551 words. Set in Denmark, the play depicts ...
''. **A Priest solemnises the marriage of Olivia and Sebastian in''
Twelfth Night ''Twelfth Night'', or ''What You Will'' is a romantic comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written around 1601–1602 as a Twelfth Night's entertainment for the close of the Christmas season. The play centres on the twins Vi ...
''. *Prince (title): **Escalus, Prince of Verona tries to keep the peace between Montague and Capulet, in '' Romeo and Juliet''. **Prince Edward: ***Edward, the Black Prince ( hist) the eldest son of King
Edward III of England Edward III (13 November 1312 – 21 June 1377), also known as Edward of Windsor before his accession, was King of England and Lord of Ireland from January 1327 until his death in 1377. He is noted for his military success and for restoring ...
and
Philippa of Hainault Philippa of Hainault (sometimes spelled Hainaut; Middle French: ''Philippe de Hainaut''; 24 June 1310 (or 1315) – 15 August 1369) was Queen of England as the wife and political adviser of King Edward III. She acted as regent in 1346,Stricklan ...
, and father to King Richard II of England. He appears in
Edward III (play) ''The Raigne of King Edward the Third'', commonly shortened to ''Edward III'', is an Elizabethan play printed anonymously in 1596, and probably partly written by William Shakespeare. It began to be included in publications of the complete wor ...
and is referred to in Henry V. ***Prince Edward ( hist) is the son of Henry VI, who joins his mother Queen Margaret as a leader of the Lancastrian forces in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. He is killed by the three Yorks (Edward, George and Richard). ***Prince Edward of York later King Edward V ( hist) is the eldest son of Edward IV and Queen Elizabeth. He appears in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
'', and is the elder of the two
princes in the tower The Princes in the Tower refers to the apparent murder in England in the 1480s of the deposed King Edward V of England and Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York. These two brothers were the only sons of King Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville sur ...
in '' Richard III''. **
Prince Hamlet A prince is a male ruler (ranked below a king, grand prince, and grand duke) or a male member of a monarch's or former monarch's family. ''Prince'' is also a title of nobility (often highest), often hereditary, in some European states. The ...
is the central character of ''
Hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play, with 29,551 words. Set in Denmark, the play depicts ...
''. He is a prince of Denmark, called on to avenge his father's (Old Hamlet's) murder by Claudius. **Prince Henry ( hist) appears towards the end of '' King John'', as successor to the title character. **Prince John of Lancaster ( hist), the younger brother of Hal in '' Henry IV, Part 1'', '' Henry IV, Part 2'', and '' Henry V''. He is also the Duke of Bedford who is Regent of France in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. **The Prince of Arragon is an unsuccessful suitor to Portia in ''
The Merchant of Venice ''The Merchant of Venice'' is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598. A merchant in Venice named Antonio defaults on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender, Shylock. Although classified as ...
''. **The Prince of Morocco is an unsuccessful suitor to Portia in ''
The Merchant of Venice ''The Merchant of Venice'' is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598. A merchant in Venice named Antonio defaults on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender, Shylock. Although classified as ...
''. **''For'' Prince of Tyre ''see Pericles.'' **''For'' Prince of Wales ''see Hal, Prince Edward, Prince Edward of York.'' **''Numerous characters are princes, either because they are rulers of principalities (for example Don Pedro and Pericles), or by descent from a king.'' *Princess: **The Princess of France ( hist) leads a diplomatic mission to Navarre and becomes romantically entangled with the King, in '' Love's Labour's Lost''. **''Several characters are princesses in the sense of being descendants of kings, including Katherine in Henry V, Queen Margaret (until she becomes queen), Imogen, Perdita, Gonerill, Regan and Cordelia. Others are described as princesses by virtue of being descendants of ruling dukes, including Rosalind, Celia, Silvia and Miranda. Others are princesses by descent from a ruling prince, for example Marina.'' *Proculeius (hist) is a follower of Caesar in '' Antony and Cleopatra''. It appears Antony has told Cleopatra to "trust him". *Prologue: **A Prologue and an Epilogue (possibly the same player) appear in ''
The Two Noble Kinsmen ''The Two Noble Kinsmen'' is a Jacobean tragicomedy, first published in 1634 and attributed jointly to John Fletcher and William Shakespeare. Its plot derives from " The Knight's Tale" in Geoffrey Chaucer's '' The Canterbury Tales'', which h ...
''. **A Prologue and an Epilogue (possibly the same player) appear in '' Henry VIII''. **A Prologue appears in ''
Troilus and Cressida ''Troilus and Cressida'' ( or ) is a play by William Shakespeare, probably written in 1602. At Troy during the Trojan War, Troilus and Cressida begin a love affair. Cressida is forced to leave Troy to join her father in the Greek camp. Meanwh ...
''. **''see Peter Quince.'' **''see Fourth Player.'' **''see also Chorus.'' *
Prospero Prospero ( ) is a fictional character and the protagonist of William Shakespeare's play '' The Tempest''. Prospero is the rightful Duke of Milan, whose usurping brother, Antonio, had put him (with his three-year-old daughter, Miranda) to se ...
is the central character of '' The Tempest'', the wronged Duke of Milan, set adrift with his daughter Miranda, twelve years before the play begins. He has become a sorcerer and is lord of the enchanted island. *Proteus is one of ''
The Two Gentlemen of Verona ''The Two Gentlemen of Verona'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1589 and 1593. It is considered by some to be Shakespeare's first play, and is often seen as showing his first tentative steps in laying ...
''. Originally in love with Julia, he proves unfaithful: coveting Silvia and eventually attempting to rape her. *A Provost appears in '' Measure for Measure''. *Publius is a minor character: a senator accompanying Caesar to the Capitol, in ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
''. *Joan la Pucelle ( hist), better known to history as Joan of Arc, leads the Dauphin's forces against Talbot and the English in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. * Puck ( myth) is a mischievous (male) fairy, a servant of Oberon, in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream''. *Hastings Pursuivant is a minor character who meets his namesake, Lord Hastings, in '' Richard III''. *''For Puzel see Joan la Pucelle.'' *''For Pyramus, see Nick Bottom.''


Q

*Queen (title): **Player Queen or Second Player, in ''
Hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play, with 29,551 words. Set in Denmark, the play depicts ...
'', plays the queen in ''The Mousetrap''. **Queen, in ''
Cymbeline ''Cymbeline'' , also known as ''The Tragedie of Cymbeline'' or ''Cymbeline, King of Britain'', is a play by William Shakespeare set in Ancient Britain () and based on legends that formed part of the Matter of Britain concerning the early Celti ...
'', is the scheming wife of the title character, who attempts to manipulate events so that her son, Cloten, inherits the throne. **Three Queens, plead to Theseus to intercede with the tyrant Creon, who has killed their husbands in battle, in ''
The Two Noble Kinsmen ''The Two Noble Kinsmen'' is a Jacobean tragicomedy, first published in 1634 and attributed jointly to John Fletcher and William Shakespeare. Its plot derives from " The Knight's Tale" in Geoffrey Chaucer's '' The Canterbury Tales'', which h ...
''. **Queen Eleanor ( hist) is the mother of John in '' King John''. She takes a liking to Philip the Bastard, and recruits him to John's court. **Queen Elizabeth ( hist) is a suitor to, and then queen to, Edward IV in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
'' and '' Richard III''. She is a major character in the later play, and a
foil Foil may refer to: Materials * Foil (metal), a quite thin sheet of metal, usually manufactured with a rolling mill machine * Metal leaf, a very thin sheet of decorative metal * Aluminium foil, a type of wrapping for food * Tin foil, metal foil ...
to Richard. **The Queen of France ( hist) appears in the last act of '' Henry V''. **
Queen Gertrude In William Shakespeare's play ''Hamlet'', Gertrude is Hamlet's mother and Queen of Denmark. Her relationship with Hamlet is somewhat turbulent, since he resents her marrying her husband's brother Claudius after he murdered the king (young Hamle ...
is the protagonist's mother in ''
Hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play, with 29,551 words. Set in Denmark, the play depicts ...
''. She has married Claudius. **Queen (unnamed, a composite of the historical Anne of Bohemia and
Isabella of Valois Isabella of France (9 November 1389 – 13 September 1409) was Queen of England as the wife of Richard II, King of England between 1396 and 1399, and Duchess (consort) of Orléans as the wife of Charles, Duke of Orléans from 1406 until her ...
) is Richard's queen in '' Richard II'', exiled upon his deposition. **Queen Katherine of Aragon ( hist) is the first wife of King Henry in '' Henry VIII''. She falls from grace, is divorced and dies. **Queen Margaret ( hist) appears as a naive girl in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
'' and as an embittered old woman in '' Richard III''. She is a central character of the two intervening plays, ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
'' and ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
'', in which she is the wife of Henry VI, and a leader of his armies. In her most notable scene she supervises the murder/execution of Richard Duke of York. **''Numerous characters are, or become, queens including Anne Bullen, Cleopatra, Cordelia, Hermione, Lady Anne, Lady Macbeth and Titania'' *Mistress Quickly (fict) is an important character in '' Henry IV, Part 1'', '' Henry IV, Part 2'', '' Henry V'', and '' The Merry Wives of Windsor''. She is noted for her lewd
malapropism A malapropism (also called a malaprop, acyrologia, or Dogberryism) is the mistaken use of an incorrect word in place of a word with a similar sound, resulting in a nonsensical, sometimes humorous utterance. An example is the statement attributed to ...
s and
double entendre A double entendre (plural double entendres) is a figure of speech or a particular way of wording that is devised to have a double meaning, of which one is typically obvious, whereas the other often conveys a message that would be too socially ...
s. She is an innkeeper's wife (later his widow) in the Henry plays. She has a different personality, and a different relationship to other characters, in ''Merry Wives'', where she is a servant to Doctor Caius. In Henry V (play) she marries Pistol and later dies of disease. *
Peter Quince Peter Quince is a character in William Shakespeare's ''A Midsummer Night's Dream''. He is one of the six mechanicals of Athens who perform the play which Quince himself authored, "The Most Lamentable Comedy and Most Cruel Death of Pyramus and This ...
is a carpenter in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream''. He plays the prologue to ''Pyramus and Thisbe''. *Quintus and Martius, two sons of ''
Titus Andronicus ''Titus Andronicus'' is a tragedy by William Shakespeare believed to have been written between 1588 and 1593, probably in collaboration with George Peele. It is thought to be Shakespeare's first tragedy and is often seen as his attempt to emul ...
'', have the same story: returning from the wars they sacrifice one of Tamora's sons. They defy their father over Saturninus' claim to the hand of Lavinia. They are framed and executed for Bassianus' murder.


R

*Ragozine is a prisoner of the state of Vienna in '' Measure for Measure''. He is executed, and his head is sent to Angelo in place of Claudio's. *Rambures (hist) is a French lord in '' Henry V''. *Sir Richard Ratcliffe ( hist) is a confidant of Richard in '' Richard III''. *Several reapers dance in the masque in '' The Tempest''. *Hugh Rebeck, Simon Catling and James Soundpost are minor characters, musicians, in '' Romeo and Juliet''. *Regan is the cruel second daughter in ''
King Lear ''King Lear'' is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. It is based on the mythological Leir of Britain. King Lear, in preparation for his old age, divides his power and land between two of his daughters. He becomes destitute and insane ...
''. She is married to the Duke of Cornwall. *Reignier ( hist) is the impoverished king of Naples and Jerusalem, and father to Queen Margaret, in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. *Reynaldo is a minor character, an agent of Polonius, in ''
Hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play, with 29,551 words. Set in Denmark, the play depicts ...
''. *Richard: **King Richard II ( hist) is the title character of '' Richard II'': a king who is deposed and eventually murdered. **Richard, Duke of Gloucester, later King Richard III ( hist), brave but evil, is the third son of Richard, Duke of York (1). He is a fairly minor character in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
'', is more prominent in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
'', and is the titular antagonist in '' Richard III''. **Richard, Duke of York (1) ( hist) is a central character in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
'', ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
'', and ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. He is the Yorkist claimant to the throne of England, in opposition to Henry VI, and he is eventually killed on the orders of Queen Margaret. **Richard, Duke of York (2) ( hist) is the younger of the two
Princes in the Tower The Princes in the Tower refers to the apparent murder in England in the 1480s of the deposed King Edward V of England and Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York. These two brothers were the only sons of King Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville sur ...
, murdered on the orders of Richard in '' Richard III''. **Sir Richard Ratcliffe ( hist) is a confidant of Richard in '' Richard III''. **Sir Richard Vernon is a follower of the rebel forces in '' Henry IV, Part 1''. **''See also Philip (the Bastard) Faulconbridge, who is renamed "Sir Richard" by the King in King John, and is often addressed as such.'' *The Earl of Richmond, later King Henry VII ( hist) leads the rebellion against the cruel rule of '' Richard III'', and eventually succeeds him as king. *Earl Rivers ( hist), is the brother to Queen Elizabeth in '' Richard III''. He is arrested and executed on the orders of Richard and Buckingham. *Robert: **Robert is a servingman of Mistress Ford: he carries Falstaff to Datchet Mead in a buck-basket, in '' The Merry Wives of Windsor''. **Robert Faulconbridge (fict) is the legitimate brother of the bastard in '' King John''. He inherits his father's property. **''See also Justice Shallow, whose first name is Robert.'' *Robin: ** Robin Starveling is a tailor in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream''. He plays "Moonshine" in ''Pyramus and Thisbe''. **See The Boy (who is called ''Robin'' in '' The Merry Wives of Windsor''). **See Puck (who is also called ''Robin Goodfellow''). *Roderigo is a gentleman suitor to Desdemona in '' Othello''. He is gulled by Iago throughout the play, and eventually Iago murders him. *Roman: **A Roman (named Ninacor) encounters the Volsce, Adrian, with news that Coriolanus is banished from Rome, in ''
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
''. **Three Romans, with pillage, appear briefly in ''
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
''. **''See the other part of a character's title where "Roman" is used as an adjective (e.g. see "Captain" for "Roman Captain").'' **''See also Citizen, which is Shakespeare's more usual description for unnamed Romans. Similarly, see Plebeians, Senators, Tribunes'' *
Romeo Romeo Montague () is the male protagonist of William Shakespeare's tragedy ''Romeo and Juliet''. The son of Lord Montague and his wife, Lady Montague, he secretly loves and marries Juliet, a member of the rival House of Capulet, through a priest ...
is a title character in '' Romeo and Juliet''. The son of Montague, he falls in love with Juliet, the daughter of his father's enemy Capulet, with tragic results. *Rosalind is the central character of '' As You Like It''. She spends the bulk of the play in exile in the Forest of Arden disguised as a boy called Ganymede. *Rosaline **Rosaline is lady attending on the Princess of France in '' Love's Labour's Lost''. She becomes romantically entangled with Berowne. **"Rosaline" is who Romeo is initially in love with in " Romeo and Juliet" before falling for Juliet **''See also Rosalind, who is sometimes addressed as Rosaline.'' *
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are characters in William Shakespeare's tragedy ''Hamlet''. They are childhood friends of Hamlet, summoned by King Claudius to distract the prince from his apparent madness and if possible to ascertain the cause of ...
are two former friends of the protagonist in ''
Hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play, with 29,551 words. Set in Denmark, the play depicts ...
'', invited to the Danish court to spy on him. They eventually accompany Hamlet towards England, but he escapes while they continue with the journey, to their deaths. *Ross **Lord Ross ( hist) is a supporter of Bolingbroke in '' Richard II''. **Ross is a thane in '' Macbeth''. *Rousillon: **The Countess of Rousillon is Bertram's mother, and Helena's protector, in '' All's Well That Ends Well''. **''See also Bertram, who is Count of Rousillon.'' *John Rugby is a servant to Caius in '' The Merry Wives of Windsor''. *Rumour is the prologue to '' Henry IV, Part 2''. *Rutland ( hist) is the youngest son of Richard Duke of York (1), killed in battle while still a boy, by Clifford, in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. (Historically Rutland was not the youngest of the four York brothers depicted in the plays. Shakespeare made him so using dramatic licence.) **''For Rycas, see Countryman.'' *Rynaldo is a steward to the Countess of Rousillion, in '' All's Well That Ends Well''. He reveals to the countess that Helena loves Bertram.


S

*Sailors: **Several sailors, one of whom is a speaking role, deliver letters in ''
Hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play, with 29,551 words. Set in Denmark, the play depicts ...
''. **A sailor brings news of a Turkish fleet to the Venetian Senate, in '' Othello''. **Two sailors appear in the storm scene of ''
Pericles, Prince of Tyre ''Pericles, Prince of Tyre'' is a Jacobean play written at least in part by William Shakespeare and included in modern editions of his collected works despite questions over its authorship, as it was not included in the First Folio. It was p ...
'', insisting that Thaisa's body be buried at sea, immediately. **A sailor of Tyre and a sailor of Mytilene, appear briefly in the shipboard reconciliation scene between Pericles and Marina in ''
Pericles, Prince of Tyre ''Pericles, Prince of Tyre'' is a Jacobean play written at least in part by William Shakespeare and included in modern editions of his collected works despite questions over its authorship, as it was not included in the First Folio. It was p ...
''. **''Numerous characters are sailors (and see also Master, Boatswain, Captain). Also "sailors" is a common designation for supernumerary characters.'' *Salarino is a friend of Solanio, Antonio, Bassanio, and Lorenzo in ''
The Merchant of Venice ''The Merchant of Venice'' is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598. A merchant in Venice named Antonio defaults on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender, Shylock. Although classified as ...
''. *Salerio is a friend of Solanio, Antonio, Bassanio, and Lorenzo in ''
The Merchant of Venice ''The Merchant of Venice'' is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598. A merchant in Venice named Antonio defaults on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender, Shylock. Although classified as ...
''. *Salisbury: **The Earl of Salisbury ( hist) delivers bad news to Constance, in '' King John''. **The Earl of Salisbury ( hist) remains loyal to King Richard in '' Richard II''. **The Earl of Salisbury ( hist) fights for the king in '' Henry V''. He is killed by the Master Gunner's Boy in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. **The Earl of Salisbury ( hist) supports the Yorkists in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. *Sampson and Gregory, two men of the Capulet household, open the main action of '' Romeo and Juliet'' with their aggressive and lecherous banter. *Lord Sandys (pronounced "sands") ( hist) is a courtier in '' Henry VIII''. *Saturninus becomes emperor of Rome, and marries Tamora, in ''
Titus Andronicus ''Titus Andronicus'' is a tragedy by William Shakespeare believed to have been written between 1588 and 1593, probably in collaboration with George Peele. It is thought to be Shakespeare's first tragedy and is often seen as his attempt to emul ...
''. *Lord Saye ( hist) is an enemy of Jack Cade, killed by the rebels, in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. *Lord Scales ( hist) is an enemy of Jack Cade's rebels in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. *Scarus (hist?) is a follower of Antony in '' Antony and Cleopatra''. He reports Antony's retreat to Enobarbus. *Schoolmaster: **A Schoolmaster acts as ambassador from Antony to Caesar, in '' Antony and Cleopatra''. **''See also Gerald.'' **''A number of characters are schoolmasters, including Holofernes and Sir Hugh Evans.'' *A Scottish Doctor witnesses Lady Macbeth sleepwalking in '' Macbeth''. *A scout of the French army reports that the English army has regrouped and is ready to attack, in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. *A scribe to the court, and a crier to the court, are minor roles – but they usually have dramatic impact – in the trial scene of '' Henry VIII''. *A scrivener (fict) explains the hypocrisy of Lord Hastings' indictment, in '' Richard III''. *Scroop: **Lord Scroop (hist) is one of the three conspirators against the king's life (with Cambridge and Grey) in '' Henry V''. **Scroop (hist) supports Richard in '' Richard II''. **''See also Archbishop of York.'' *George Seacoal is a member of the Watch in ''
Much Ado About Nothing ''Much Ado About Nothing'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare thought to have been written in 1598 and 1599.See textual notes to ''Much Ado About Nothing'' in ''The Norton Shakespeare'' ( W. W. Norton & Company, 1997 ) p. 1387 The play ...
''. *Sebastian: **Sebastian is the twin brother of Viola in ''
Twelfth Night ''Twelfth Night'', or ''What You Will'' is a romantic comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written around 1601–1602 as a Twelfth Night's entertainment for the close of the Christmas season. The play centres on the twins Vi ...
''. He is often mistaken for her male persona, Cesario, and Olivia marries him under that misapprehension. **Sebastian is the brother of Alonso in '' The Tempest''. He conspires with Antonio to murder Alonzo and Gonzalo. **''See also Julia in
The Two Gentlemen of Verona ''The Two Gentlemen of Verona'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1589 and 1593. It is considered by some to be Shakespeare's first play, and is often seen as showing his first tentative steps in laying ...
, who calls herself Sebastian in her male disguise.'' *''For "Second...", see entries under the rest of the character's designation (e.g. Murderer for Second Murderer, Player for Second Player, etc.).'' *A Secretary to Cardinal Wolsey is a minor role in '' Henry VIII'': he has prepared Buckingham's Surveyor's examination. *Seleucus is Cleopatra's treasurer, in '' Antony and Cleopatra''. *Sempronius: **Sempronius is a lord in ''
Timon of Athens ''Timon of Athens'' (''The Life of Tymon of Athens'') is a play written by William Shakespeare and probably also Thomas Middleton in about 1606. It was published in the '' First Folio'' in 1623. Timon lavishes his wealth on parasitic companio ...
'', who flatters Titus but proves a false friend. **Sempronius, Caius and Valentine are minor characters, kinsmen and supporters of Titus, in ''
Titus Andronicus ''Titus Andronicus'' is a tragedy by William Shakespeare believed to have been written between 1588 and 1593, probably in collaboration with George Peele. It is thought to be Shakespeare's first tragedy and is often seen as his attempt to emul ...
''. *Senator: **Several Senators, two of which are speaking roles, hear Brabantio's complaint against Othello, in '' Othello''. **At least four Senators, or more (depending upon if and how they are doubled) appear in ''
Timon of Athens ''Timon of Athens'' (''The Life of Tymon of Athens'') is a play written by William Shakespeare and probably also Thomas Middleton in about 1606. It was published in the '' First Folio'' in 1623. Timon lavishes his wealth on parasitic companio ...
'': ***A Senator is a creditor of Timon, and sends Caphis to collect the debt. ***Three Senators anger Alcibiades by insisting upon a death sentence for his friend. ***Two Senators visit Timon in the woods, begging his assistance for Athens. ***Two further Senators hear of the failure of the previous two Senators' approach to Timon. ***Two Senators negotiate Athens' surrender to Alcibiades. ***''Senators are also supernumerary characters at Timon's second feast.'' **The Roman Senators, two of them speaking roles, appear in ''
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
'', both as friends and enemies to the title character. **Two Senators and a Tribune discuss the prospects of their impending war with the Britons, in ''
Cymbeline ''Cymbeline'' , also known as ''The Tragedie of Cymbeline'' or ''Cymbeline, King of Britain'', is a play by William Shakespeare set in Ancient Britain () and based on legends that formed part of the Matter of Britain concerning the early Celti ...
''. **''Many major characters in the Roman plays are Senators.'' **''Senators are often supernumerary characters in the Roman and Venetian plays.'' *Duke Senior is the father of Rosalind. He is the true duke, and has been usurped by his brother, Duke Frederick at the start of '' As You Like It''. *''For Sennois, see Countryman.'' *Two Sentinels, one a speaking role, appear with a Sergeant on the walls of Orleans, in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. *A Sentry and the Watch (two of whom are minor speaking roles) witness the death of Enobarbus, in '' Antony and Cleopatra''. *A French Sergeant appears with two Sentinels on the walls of Orleans, in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. *A Sergeant-at-Arms accompanies Brandon in the arrest of Buckingham, in '' Henry VIII''. *Servant: **Diomedes' Servant is sent with a message to Cressida, in ''
Troilus and Cressida ''Troilus and Cressida'' ( or ) is a play by William Shakespeare, probably written in 1602. At Troy during the Trojan War, Troilus and Cressida begin a love affair. Cressida is forced to leave Troy to join her father in the Greek camp. Meanwh ...
''. **Paris' Servant has a clownish exchange with Pandarus in ''
Troilus and Cressida ''Troilus and Cressida'' ( or ) is a play by William Shakespeare, probably written in 1602. At Troy during the Trojan War, Troilus and Cressida begin a love affair. Cressida is forced to leave Troy to join her father in the Greek camp. Meanwh ...
''. **A servant (who Shakespeare may have intended to be the same character as "Peter") needs the help of Romeo and Benvolio to read the guest list for Capulet's party, in '' Romeo and Juliet''. **A servant to the Lord Chief Justice is abused by Falstaff in '' Henry IV, Part 2''. **A servant to Olivia is a minor character in ''
Twelfth Night ''Twelfth Night'', or ''What You Will'' is a romantic comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written around 1601–1602 as a Twelfth Night's entertainment for the close of the Christmas season. The play centres on the twins Vi ...
''. **A servant to Cardinal Wolsey is a minor character in '' Henry VIII''. He announces the arrival of the disguised king and his followers to Wolsey's party. **Two servants (fict) of Piers of Exton are sounding-boards for his plan to murder Richard, in '' Richard II''. **Two servants (plus a third named Philemon) follow Lord Cerimon, in ''
Pericles, Prince of Tyre ''Pericles, Prince of Tyre'' is a Jacobean play written at least in part by William Shakespeare and included in modern editions of his collected works despite questions over its authorship, as it was not included in the First Folio. It was p ...
''. **Three unnamed servants appear in ''
King Lear ''King Lear'' is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. It is based on the mythological Leir of Britain. King Lear, in preparation for his old age, divides his power and land between two of his daughters. He becomes destitute and insane ...
'', including one who dies killing the cruel Duke of Cornwall. **Three unnamed servants appear in ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
'': ***A servant of Caesar is sent to ''bid the priests do present sacrifice'', on the morning of the ides of March, and reports the ill-omen that the sacrificed beast had no heart. ***A servant of Antony comes to the conspirators after the murder of Caesar, to discover whether it is safe for his master to meet them. ***A servant of Octavius carries messages between Octavius and Antony. **In '' Antony and Cleopatra'': ***A servant of Antony reports that Thidias has been soundly whipped. ***A servant informs Cleopatra of the approach of a messenger from Caesar. ***"Two or three" servants, two of them speaking roles, lay out a banquet for Pompey and the Triumvirs. ***"Three or four" servants speak the unison line "The gods forbid!". **Numerous servants appear in ''
Timon of Athens ''Timon of Athens'' (''The Life of Tymon of Athens'') is a play written by William Shakespeare and probably also Thomas Middleton in about 1606. It was published in the '' First Folio'' in 1623. Timon lavishes his wealth on parasitic companio ...
'': ***Isidore's Servant pursues his master's claim for money due from Timon. (Isidore is not a character.) ***Lucius' Servant (at one point addressed as Lucius) is among the servants clamouring for payment of their master's debts in the second such scene, prompting Timon to announce his second feast. ***Lucullus' Servant announces Flaminius' arrival at Lucullus' home, and provides wine. ***Two of Varro's servants pursue their master's claim for money due from Timon. (Varro is not a character, although his first servant is at one point addressed as Varro.) ***A servant to the First Lord reports that horses are ready, for Lords to leave Timon's first feast. ***Three servants of Timon make announcements at Timon's first feast, and later – with Flavius – mourn for Timon's poverty, and the loss of their jobs. ***A servant of Timon approaches Sempronius – unsuccessfully – with a request for funds for Timon. ***''Three of Timon's servants are named characters: Flaminius, Lucilius and Servilius. (See their separate entries.) They may, or may not, have been intended to be doubled with the un-named servants mentioned in the play.'' ***''The play may contain other supernumerary servants, depending upon how parts are doubled in performance.'' ***''See also Caphis, Hortensius, Philotus and Titus.'' **Talbot's Servant accompanies the dying Talbot, in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. **''For Troilus' Servants, see Boy and Man.'' **''Numerous characters in the plays are servants. Also, "servant" is a common designation for supernumerary characters.'' **''See also Servingman.'' *Servilius is a servant of ''
Timon of Athens ''Timon of Athens'' (''The Life of Tymon of Athens'') is a play written by William Shakespeare and probably also Thomas Middleton in about 1606. It was published in the '' First Folio'' in 1623. Timon lavishes his wealth on parasitic companio ...
'', sent – unsuccessfully – to seek money for his master from Lucius. *Servingman: **A servingman (fict) to the Duke of York brings news of the Duchess of Gloucester's death in '' Richard II''. **Three servingmen to Aufidius discuss the arrival of their master's former arch-enemy as a guest in ''
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
''. **Four servingmen (two of them called "Anthony" and "Potpan") are minor speaking roles in the build-up to Capulet's party in '' Romeo and Juliet''. **Numerous servingmen of Winchester and Gloucester (one of Gloucester's being a minor speaking role) brawl in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. **Several servingmen of the Lord, three of whom are speaking roles, attend the hung-over Christopher Sly, trying to fool him into believing he is a lord, in the ''induction'' to ''
The Taming of the Shrew ''The Taming of the Shrew'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1592. The play begins with a framing device, often referred to as the induction, in which a mischievous nobleman tricks a drunken ...
''. **''Numerous characters in the plays are servingmen. Also, "servingman" is a common designation for supernumerary characters.'' **''See also Servant.'' *''For Servitor, see Servant.'' *A Sexton supervises Dogberry's inept examination of Conrade and Borachio, in ''
Much Ado About Nothing ''Much Ado About Nothing'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare thought to have been written in 1598 and 1599.See textual notes to ''Much Ado About Nothing'' in ''The Norton Shakespeare'' ( W. W. Norton & Company, 1997 ) p. 1387 The play ...
''. *Pompey or Sextus Pompeius ( hist) is the enemy of the Triumvirate in '' Antony and Cleopatra''. *Seyton is a servant in '' Macbeth''. *Seyward: **Seyward ( hist) is the Earl of Northumberland in '' Macbeth''. **Young Seyward ( hist) is the son of the Earl of Northumberland in '' Macbeth''. *Shadow is pressed into military service by Falstaff in '' Henry IV, Part 2''. * Justice Shallow (fict) is an elderly landowner in '' Henry IV, Part 2'' and '' The Merry Wives of Windsor''. *Shepherd: **Old Shepherd is the kindly father of the Clown in ''
The Winter's Tale ''The Winter's Tale'' is a play by William Shakespeare originally published in the First Folio of 1623. Although it was grouped among the comedies, many modern editors have relabelled the play as one of Shakespeare's late romances. Some crit ...
'', who adopts the abandoned Perdita as his daughter. **A Shepherd says that he is Joan's father, but she disowns him, in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. **''A number of characters are shepherds or shepherdesses, including Corin, Dorcas, Mopsa and Silvius.'' *Sheriff: **A Sheriff holds Eleanor in custody in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. **A Sheriff of Wiltshire (fict) denies the condemned Buckingham access to King Richard, in '' Richard III''. * Shylock is a central character in ''
The Merchant of Venice ''The Merchant of Venice'' is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598. A merchant in Venice named Antonio defaults on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender, Shylock. Although classified as ...
'' – a Jewish money-lender who claims a pound of Antonio's flesh. *Sicinius Velutus and Junius Brutus, two of the tribunes of the people, are the protagonist's chief political enemies in ''
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
'', and prove more effective than his military foes. *Justice Silence (fict) is an elderly friend of Justice Shallow in '' Henry IV, Part 2''. *Silius is a follower of Antony, in '' Antony and Cleopatra''. *Silvia is the faithful lover of Valentine, and the victim of an attempted rape by Proteus, in ''
The Two Gentlemen of Verona ''The Two Gentlemen of Verona'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1589 and 1593. It is considered by some to be Shakespeare's first play, and is often seen as showing his first tentative steps in laying ...
''. *Silvius is a shepherd, in love with Phebe, in '' As You Like It''. *Simon Catling, Hugh Rebeck and James Soundpost are minor characters, musicians, in '' Romeo and Juliet''. *Simonides, king of Pentapolis in ''
Pericles, Prince of Tyre ''Pericles, Prince of Tyre'' is a Jacobean play written at least in part by William Shakespeare and included in modern editions of his collected works despite questions over its authorship, as it was not included in the First Folio. It was p ...
'', pretends to oppose the romance between his daughter Thaisa and the hero but in fact is delighted by it. *Simpcox (fict) claims to have been cured of blindness in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. *Simpcox's Wife is the wife of Simpcox in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. *Simple is a servant to Slender in '' The Merry Wives of Windsor''. *''For Siward see Seyward.'' *Abraham Slender is a foolish suitor to Anne, and a kinsman of Shallow, in '' The Merry Wives of Windsor''. *Christopher Sly is a drunken tinker in the ''induction'' to ''
The Taming of the Shrew ''The Taming of the Shrew'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1592. The play begins with a framing device, often referred to as the induction, in which a mischievous nobleman tricks a drunken ...
''. He is gulled into believing he is a lord. *Smith the Weaver (fict) is a follower of Jack Cade in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. *Snare is a constable in '' Henry IV, Part 2''. * Tom Snout is a tinker in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream''. He plays "Wall" in ''Pyramus and Thisbe''. * Snug is a joiner in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream''. He plays the lion in ''Pyramus and Thisbe''. *Solanio is a friend and counterpart of Salerio in ''
The Merchant of Venice ''The Merchant of Venice'' is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598. A merchant in Venice named Antonio defaults on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender, Shylock. Although classified as ...
''. *Soldier: **A soldier discovers that Timon has died, and reports this to the senators, in ''
Timon of Athens ''Timon of Athens'' (''The Life of Tymon of Athens'') is a play written by William Shakespeare and probably also Thomas Middleton in about 1606. It was published in the '' First Folio'' in 1623. Timon lavishes his wealth on parasitic companio ...
''. **An English soldier (fict) achieves some plunder at the siege of Orleans "using no other weapon but albot'sname", in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. **Several soldiers, of whom "first soldier" is an important speaking role and "second soldier" a minor speaking role, take part in the capture and mock-interrogation of Parolles, in '' All's Well That Ends Well''. **Two of Coriolanus' soldiers, and one of Aufidius' soldiers, have minor speaking roles in ''
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
''. **Two soldiers of Antony's party capture Lucilius, believing him to be Brutus, in ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
''. **Three soldiers of Brutus' and Cassius' party each speak the one word "stand!" in
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
. **Four French soldiers (fict), one of them a speaking role, accompany Joan into Rouen disguised as peasants, in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. **Several Soldiers have minor speaking roles in '' Antony and Cleopatra'', including: ***a soldier who discusses the progress of the war with Canidius; ***four soldiers who hear the strange sound of hautboys beneath the stage; ***a soldier who acts as a messenger to Antony; ***a group of Antony's soldiers who share the unison line "Good morrow, General!"; ***one of Antony's soldiers who informs his leader that Enobarbus has deserted to follow Caesar; and ***one of Caesar's soldiers who informs Enobarbus that Antony has sent Enobarbus his treasure. **Soldiers give the shout that Hector is slain by Achilles, in ''
Troilus and Cressida ''Troilus and Cressida'' ( or ) is a play by William Shakespeare, probably written in 1602. At Troy during the Trojan War, Troilus and Cressida begin a love affair. Cressida is forced to leave Troy to join her father in the Greek camp. Meanwh ...
''. **''"Soldiers" is a common designation for supernumerary characters.'' *Solinus is the Duke of Ephesus in ''
The Comedy of Errors ''The Comedy of Errors'' is one of William Shakespeare's early plays. It is his shortest and one of his most farcical comedies, with a major part of the humour coming from slapstick and mistaken identity, in addition to puns and word play. ...
''. *Somerset: **The Duke of Somerset (1) ( hist) is a follower of King Henry in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. **The Duke of Somerset (2) ( hist) appears among the Lancastrian faction in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. His head is carried onstage by Richard (later Richard III) in the opening scene of ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. **The Duke of Somerset (3)is a conflation by Shakespeare of two historical Dukes of Somerset (
Henry Beaufort, 3rd Duke of Somerset Henry Beaufort, 3rd Duke of Somerset (26 January 143615 May 1464) was an important Lancastrian military commander during the English Wars of the Roses. He is sometimes numbered the 2nd Duke of Somerset, because the title was re-created for his ...
and Edmund Beaufort, 4th Duke of Somerset). He supports both factions at different stages of ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. *Somerville (fict) is a follower of Warwick in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. *Son: ** Macduff's Son is murdered on Macbeth's orders. **A Son who has killed his father at the
Battle of Towton The Battle of Towton took place on 29 March 1461 during the Wars of the Roses, near Towton in North Yorkshire, and "has the dubious distinction of being probably the largest and bloodiest battle on English soil". Fought for ten hours between ...
appears in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. ''See also Father''. *Soothsayer: **A Soothsayer wisely warns Caesar to beware the Ides of March, in ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
''. **A Soothsayer attends on Lucius, and eventually interprets the book given to Posthumus by Jupiter, in ''
Cymbeline ''Cymbeline'' , also known as ''The Tragedie of Cymbeline'' or ''Cymbeline, King of Britain'', is a play by William Shakespeare set in Ancient Britain () and based on legends that formed part of the Matter of Britain concerning the early Celti ...
''. **A Soothsayer makes a number of predictions, all of which come true in their own way, in '' Antony and Cleopatra''. *James Soundpost, Simon Catling and Hugh Rebeck are minor characters, musicians, in '' Romeo and Juliet''. *Southwell, with Hume, Jourdain and Bolingbroke, are the supernatural conspirators with Eleanor Duchess of Gloucester in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. *A Spaniard, a Frenchman and a Dutchman are guests of Philario, in ''
Cymbeline ''Cymbeline'' , also known as ''The Tragedie of Cymbeline'' or ''Cymbeline, King of Britain'', is a play by William Shakespeare set in Ancient Britain () and based on legends that formed part of the Matter of Britain concerning the early Celti ...
''. *Speed is the slow-witted servant of Valentine, in ''
The Two Gentlemen of Verona ''The Two Gentlemen of Verona'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1589 and 1593. It is considered by some to be Shakespeare's first play, and is often seen as showing his first tentative steps in laying ...
''. *A spirit is conjured by Jourdain, Southwell, Hume and Bolingbroke to answer Eleanor's questions, in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. *A number of sprites serve Prospero in '' The Tempest''. *The Mayor of St. Albans appears briefly in the "Simpcox" episode in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. * Robin Starveling is a tailor in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream''. He plays "Moonshine" in ''Pyramus and Thisbe''. *Stafford: **Lord Stafford (hist) is a non-speaking Yorkist in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. **Sir Humphrey Stafford (hist) is an enemy of Jack Cade in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. **Stafford's Brother (hist) is an enemy of Jack Cade in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. *Stanley: **Lord Stanley, Earl of Derby ( hist) is a military leader who ultimately reveals his loyalty to the Richmond faction, in spite of his son being a hostage to Richard, in '' Richard III''. **Sir John Stanley supervises Eleanor's penance in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. **Sir William Stanley ( hist), the historical brother of Lord Stanley from '' Richard III'', is a minor character of the Yorkist faction in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. *Stephano: ** Stephano is a drunken butler in '' The Tempest''. He conspires with Caliban and Trinculo to kill Prospero and become king of the island. **Stephano is a servant of Portia, in ''
The Merchant of Venice ''The Merchant of Venice'' is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598. A merchant in Venice named Antonio defaults on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender, Shylock. Although classified as ...
''. *Steward: **''For "Steward" in All's Well That Ends Well, see Rynaldo.'' **''A number of characters are stewards, most notably Flavius, Malvolio and Philostrate.'' *Three Strangers (one of them named Hostilius) witness Lucius' hypocrisy in claiming he would help Timon, but then failing to do so, in ''
Timon of Athens ''Timon of Athens'' (''The Life of Tymon of Athens'') is a play written by William Shakespeare and probably also Thomas Middleton in about 1606. It was published in the '' First Folio'' in 1623. Timon lavishes his wealth on parasitic companio ...
''. *Strato is a servant of Brutus in ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
''. He holds Brutus' sword, so that Brutus may kill himself by running onto it. *Suffolk: **The Duke of Suffolk ( hist) is a courtier, cynical about the King's relationship with Anne Bullen, in '' Henry VIII''. **The Duke of Suffolk (William de la Pole) ( hist) is a manipulative character, loved by Queen Margaret, in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
'' and ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. *Surrey: **The Duke of Surrey ( hist) accuses Aumerle of plotting Woodstock's death in '' Richard II''. **The Earl of Surrey is a supporter of the king in '' Henry IV, Part 2''. **The Earl of Surrey ( hist) is a son-in-law of Buckingham in '' Henry VIII''. *A Surveyor to the Duke of Buckingham gives evidence of his (alleged) treachery, in '' Henry VIII''. *Syracuse: **Antipholus of Syracuse, twin of Antipholus of Ephesus – with whom he is often confused, is a central character in ''
The Comedy of Errors ''The Comedy of Errors'' is one of William Shakespeare's early plays. It is his shortest and one of his most farcical comedies, with a major part of the humour coming from slapstick and mistaken identity, in addition to puns and word play. ...
''. **Dromio of Syracuse, servant to Antipholus of Syracuse and twin of Dromio of Ephesus – with whom he is often confused, is a central character in ''
The Comedy of Errors ''The Comedy of Errors'' is one of William Shakespeare's early plays. It is his shortest and one of his most farcical comedies, with a major part of the humour coming from slapstick and mistaken identity, in addition to puns and word play. ...
''.


T

*''For Taborer, see Timothy.'' *A Tailor is verbally abused by Petruchio in ''
The Taming of the Shrew ''The Taming of the Shrew'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1592. The play begins with a framing device, often referred to as the induction, in which a mischievous nobleman tricks a drunken ...
''. *Talbot: **John Talbot is the son of Sir John Talbot. They die together bravely in battle in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. **Sir John Talbot ( hist) is the leader of the English forces in France, and therefore the chief enemy of Joan, in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. **Talbot's Servant accompanies the dying Talbot, in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. *Tamora is the evil queen of the Goths who marries Saturninus in ''
Titus Andronicus ''Titus Andronicus'' is a tragedy by William Shakespeare believed to have been written between 1588 and 1593, probably in collaboration with George Peele. It is thought to be Shakespeare's first tragedy and is often seen as his attempt to emul ...
''. *Taurus ( hist) is a follower of Caesar in '' Antony and Cleopatra''. *Doll Tearsheet (fict) is a whore, who is emotionally involved with Falstaff, and is later arrested for murder in '' Henry IV, Part 2''. *Thaisa, the wife of the title character in ''
Pericles, Prince of Tyre ''Pericles, Prince of Tyre'' is a Jacobean play written at least in part by William Shakespeare and included in modern editions of his collected works despite questions over its authorship, as it was not included in the First Folio. It was p ...
'', is buried at sea, believed dead. However her coffin washes up on shore, she is revived by Cerimon, and she becomes a priestess at the temple of Diana. *Thaliard is a lord of Antioch, ordered to kill Pericles, in ''
Pericles, Prince of Tyre ''Pericles, Prince of Tyre'' is a Jacobean play written at least in part by William Shakespeare and included in modern editions of his collected works despite questions over its authorship, as it was not included in the First Folio. It was p ...
''. *''For'' ''Thane'' ''see Macbeth, Banquo, Macduff, Lennox, Ross, Menteth, Angus and Cathness, all from Macbeth.'' *Thersites is a clown, who serves firstly Ajax and later Achilles, in ''
Troilus and Cressida ''Troilus and Cressida'' ( or ) is a play by William Shakespeare, probably written in 1602. At Troy during the Trojan War, Troilus and Cressida begin a love affair. Cressida is forced to leave Troy to join her father in the Greek camp. Meanwh ...
''. *Theseus ( myth) is the Duke of Athens in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream'' and ''
The Two Noble Kinsmen ''The Two Noble Kinsmen'' is a Jacobean tragicomedy, first published in 1634 and attributed jointly to John Fletcher and William Shakespeare. Its plot derives from " The Knight's Tale" in Geoffrey Chaucer's '' The Canterbury Tales'', which h ...
''. *Thidias (hist) is a follower of Caesar in '' Antony and Cleopatra'', sent with messages to Cleopatra and to Antony. Antony has him whipped before sending him back to his master. *''For "Third...", see entries under the rest of the character's designation (e.g. Murderer for Third Murderer, Player for Third Player, etc.).'' *''For'' Thisbe ''see Francis Flute.'' *Thomas: **Friar Thomas leads an order of friars, and assists Vincentio to disguise himself as a friar, in '' Measure for Measure''. **Sir Thomas Erpingham ( hist) is an officer in the English army in '' Henry V''. **Sir Thomas Grey (hist) is one of the three conspirators against the king's life (with Cambridge and Scroop) in '' Henry V''. **Sir Thomas Lovell (hist) is a courtier of King Henry, in '' Henry VIII''. **Sir Thomas Vaughan ( hist) is executed, alongside Rivers and Grey, in '' Richard III''. **Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury ( hist) is a major character in the last act of '' Henry VIII'': hauled before the privy council by his enemies and threatened with imprisonment, but protected by the king. **Thomas Cromwell ( hist) is secretary to Wolsey, and later to the Privy Council, in '' Henry VIII''. **Thomas, Duke of Clarence ( hist) is Hal's younger brother, who appears in '' Henry IV, Part 2'' and '' Henry V''. **Thomas Horner (fict) fights a duel with his apprentice Peter Thump in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. **Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk ( hist) is Bolingbroke's enemy, exiled by Richard, in '' Richard II''. **''For Thomas Percy, see Earl of Worcester.'' **''See also Tom.'' *Peter Thump (fict) fights a duel with his master Thomas Horner in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. *Thurio is a cowardly suitor to Silvia (and therefore a rival of Valentine) in ''
The Two Gentlemen of Verona ''The Two Gentlemen of Verona'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1589 and 1593. It is considered by some to be Shakespeare's first play, and is often seen as showing his first tentative steps in laying ...
''. *Timandra and Phrynia are whores, or mistresses of Alcibiades, in ''
Timon of Athens ''Timon of Athens'' (''The Life of Tymon of Athens'') is a play written by William Shakespeare and probably also Thomas Middleton in about 1606. It was published in the '' First Folio'' in 1623. Timon lavishes his wealth on parasitic companio ...
''. *Time, personified, acts as a chorus in ''
The Winter's Tale ''The Winter's Tale'' is a play by William Shakespeare originally published in the First Folio of 1623. Although it was grouped among the comedies, many modern editors have relabelled the play as one of Shakespeare's late romances. Some crit ...
'', bridging the sixteen-year gap between the third and fourth acts. *Timon ( hist) is the central character of ''
Timon of Athens ''Timon of Athens'' (''The Life of Tymon of Athens'') is a play written by William Shakespeare and probably also Thomas Middleton in about 1606. It was published in the '' First Folio'' in 1623. Timon lavishes his wealth on parasitic companio ...
''. His over-generosity leads him into poverty, and his friends abandon him. *Timothy plays a tabor in the Maying ceremony in ''
The Two Noble Kinsmen ''The Two Noble Kinsmen'' is a Jacobean tragicomedy, first published in 1634 and attributed jointly to John Fletcher and William Shakespeare. Its plot derives from " The Knight's Tale" in Geoffrey Chaucer's '' The Canterbury Tales'', which h ...
''. * Titania is Queen of the Fairies in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream''. Under the influence of ''love in idleness'', she falls in love with Bottom (with his ass's head). *Titinius is a loyal follower of Cassius, in ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
''. He kills himself with Cassius' sword, at Philippi. *Titus: **Titus is a servant, sent to extract payment of a debt from ''
Timon of Athens ''Timon of Athens'' (''The Life of Tymon of Athens'') is a play written by William Shakespeare and probably also Thomas Middleton in about 1606. It was published in the '' First Folio'' in 1623. Timon lavishes his wealth on parasitic companio ...
''. **Titus Andronicus is the central character of ''
Titus Andronicus ''Titus Andronicus'' is a tragedy by William Shakespeare believed to have been written between 1588 and 1593, probably in collaboration with George Peele. It is thought to be Shakespeare's first tragedy and is often seen as his attempt to emul ...
''. Broken and sent mad by Tamora and her followers, he eventually exacts his revenge by killing her sons, and cooking them for her to eat. **Titus Lartius and Cominius are leaders of the Roman forces against the Volscians in ''
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
''. *
Sir Toby Belch Sir Toby Belch is a character in William Shakespeare’s ''Twelfth Night''. He is Olivia's uncle. Character Sir Toby is an ambiguous mix of high spirits and low cunning. He first appears in the play's third scene, when he storms onto the stag ...
is a drunken knight, and kinsman to Olivia, in ''
Twelfth Night ''Twelfth Night'', or ''What You Will'' is a romantic comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written around 1601–1602 as a Twelfth Night's entertainment for the close of the Christmas season. The play centres on the twins Vi ...
''. *Tom: ** Tom Snout is a tinker in '' A Midsummer Night's Dream''. He plays "Wall" in ''Pyramus and Thisbe''. **''For'' Poor Tom ''see Edgar.'' **''See also Thomas.'' *''For'' Sir Topas ''see Feste.'' *Touchstone is a clown in '' As You Like It''. *Tranio is a servant to Lucentio in ''
The Taming of the Shrew ''The Taming of the Shrew'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1592. The play begins with a framing device, often referred to as the induction, in which a mischievous nobleman tricks a drunken ...
''. He disguises himself as Lucentio, to enable Lucentio carry through ''his'' disguise. *Travers (fict) is a messenger to the Earl of Northumberland in '' Henry IV, Part 2''. *Trebonius ( hist) is one of the conspirators against ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
''. *Tressell and Berkeley (fict) are the two gentlemen accompanying Lady Anne, and Henry VI's coffin, in '' Richard III''. *Tribune: **A Tribune and two senators discuss the prospects of their impending war with the Britons, in ''
Cymbeline ''Cymbeline'' , also known as ''The Tragedie of Cymbeline'' or ''Cymbeline, King of Britain'', is a play by William Shakespeare set in Ancient Britain () and based on legends that formed part of the Matter of Britain concerning the early Celti ...
''. **''Several characters are Tribunes, including Flavius and Marullus in ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
'', and Sicinius and Brutus in ''
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
''. *Trinculo is a clown, a friend to Stephano, in '' The Tempest''. *
Troilus Troilus ( or ; grc, Τρωΐλος, Troïlos; la, Troilus) is a legendary character associated with the story of the Trojan War. The first surviving reference to him is in Homer's ''Iliad,'' composed in the late 8th century BCE. In Greek myth ...
( myth) is a young Trojan prince who falls in love with Cressida during the
Trojan War In Greek mythology, the Trojan War was waged against the city of Troy by the Achaeans (Greeks) after Paris of Troy took Helen from her husband Menelaus, king of Sparta. The war is one of the most important events in Greek mythology and ...
in ''
Troilus and Cressida ''Troilus and Cressida'' ( or ) is a play by William Shakespeare, probably written in 1602. At Troy during the Trojan War, Troilus and Cressida begin a love affair. Cressida is forced to leave Troy to join her father in the Greek camp. Meanwh ...
''. *Troy/Trojan: **''For Sir Pandarus of Troy, see Pandarus.'' **''For King of Troy see Priam.'' **''Numerous characters in
Troilus and Cressida ''Troilus and Cressida'' ( or ) is a play by William Shakespeare, probably written in 1602. At Troy during the Trojan War, Troilus and Cressida begin a love affair. Cressida is forced to leave Troy to join her father in the Greek camp. Meanwh ...
are Trojans.'' *Tubal is a wealthy Jew, a friend to Shylock, in ''
The Merchant of Venice ''The Merchant of Venice'' is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598. A merchant in Venice named Antonio defaults on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender, Shylock. Although classified as ...
''. *Tullus Aufidius, leader of the Volscians, is the arch-enemy, and briefly the ally, of the title character in ''
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
''. *A Tutor (fict) fails to save the life of his pupil, Rutland, in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. *Tybalt, cousin to Juliet, is a fiery-tempered character in '' Romeo and Juliet''. He kills Mercutio, and is killed by Romeo. *Sir James Tyrrell ( hist) is employed to murder the
princes in the tower The Princes in the Tower refers to the apparent murder in England in the 1480s of the deposed King Edward V of England and Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York. These two brothers were the only sons of King Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville sur ...
in '' Richard III''.


U

*Ulysses ( myth) is one of the Greek leaders in ''
Troilus and Cressida ''Troilus and Cressida'' ( or ) is a play by William Shakespeare, probably written in 1602. At Troy during the Trojan War, Troilus and Cressida begin a love affair. Cressida is forced to leave Troy to join her father in the Greek camp. Meanwh ...
''. *Ursula is a maid in ''
Much Ado About Nothing ''Much Ado About Nothing'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare thought to have been written in 1598 and 1599.See textual notes to ''Much Ado About Nothing'' in ''The Norton Shakespeare'' ( W. W. Norton & Company, 1997 ) p. 1387 The play ...
''.


V

*Valentine: **Valentine is one of ''
The Two Gentlemen of Verona ''The Two Gentlemen of Verona'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1589 and 1593. It is considered by some to be Shakespeare's first play, and is often seen as showing his first tentative steps in laying ...
''. He falls in love with Silvia, becomes exiled, and leads a band of robbers. **Valentine is an attendant on Orsino in ''
Twelfth Night ''Twelfth Night'', or ''What You Will'' is a romantic comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written around 1601–1602 as a Twelfth Night's entertainment for the close of the Christmas season. The play centres on the twins Vi ...
''. **Valentine, Caius and Sempronius are minor characters, kinsmen and supporters of Titus, in ''
Titus Andronicus ''Titus Andronicus'' is a tragedy by William Shakespeare believed to have been written between 1588 and 1593, probably in collaboration with George Peele. It is thought to be Shakespeare's first tragedy and is often seen as his attempt to emul ...
''. **Valentine is Mercutio's brother in '' Romeo and Juliet''. He is mentioned as a guest of Lord Capulet's party. *Valeria is a friend of Volumnia or Virgilia in ''
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
''. She brings news of Coriolanus' exploits. *Valerius is a Thebean, a follower of Creon, who brings news of a forthcoming battle to ''
The Two Noble Kinsmen ''The Two Noble Kinsmen'' is a Jacobean tragicomedy, first published in 1634 and attributed jointly to John Fletcher and William Shakespeare. Its plot derives from " The Knight's Tale" in Geoffrey Chaucer's '' The Canterbury Tales'', which h ...
''. *Varrius: **Varrius, a friend of the Duke, is a non-speaking role (although he is addressed by name, and therefore falls just short of being a
ghost character A ghost character, in the bibliographic or scholarly study of texts of dramatic literature, is a term for an inadvertent error committed by the playwright in the act of writing. It is a character who is mentioned as appearing on stage, but who doe ...
) in '' Measure for Measure''. **Varrius is a follower of Pompey in '' Antony and Cleopatra''. *Varro: **Varro and Claudius are guards in Brutus' tent, in ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
''. They do not see Caesar's ghost. **''For Varro's Servants, in
Timon of Athens ''Timon of Athens'' (''The Life of Tymon of Athens'') is a play written by William Shakespeare and probably also Thomas Middleton in about 1606. It was published in the '' First Folio'' in 1623. Timon lavishes his wealth on parasitic companio ...
, see servant.'' *Sir Thomas Vaughan ( hist) is executed, alongside Rivers and Grey, in '' Richard III''. *Vaux: **Sir Nicholas Vaux ( hist) is a minor character in the scene leading to Buckingham's execution, in '' Henry VIII''. **Vaux (hist) is a minor character of the Lancastrian party in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. *Sicinius Velutus and Junius Brutus, two of the tribunes of the people, are the title character's chief political enemies in ''
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
'', and prove more effective than his military foes. *Duke of Venice: **The Duke of Venice tries the case between Shylock and Antonio in ''
The Merchant of Venice ''The Merchant of Venice'' is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598. A merchant in Venice named Antonio defaults on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender, Shylock. Although classified as ...
''. **The Duke of Venice hears Brabantio's complaint against '' Othello''. *Ventidius: **Ventidius ( hist) is a follower of Antony in '' Antony and Cleopatra''. **Ventidius is bailed by Timon in ''
Timon of Athens ''Timon of Athens'' (''The Life of Tymon of Athens'') is a play written by William Shakespeare and probably also Thomas Middleton in about 1606. It was published in the '' First Folio'' in 1623. Timon lavishes his wealth on parasitic companio ...
'', then attends Timon's first feast offering to repay the debt, which Timon refuses. Later, however, he refuses Timon's request for funds. *Verges, accompanied by Dogberry, is a clownish officer of the watch in ''
Much Ado About Nothing ''Much Ado About Nothing'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare thought to have been written in 1598 and 1599.See textual notes to ''Much Ado About Nothing'' in ''The Norton Shakespeare'' ( W. W. Norton & Company, 1997 ) p. 1387 The play ...
''. *Vernon: **Sir Richard Vernon is a follower of the rebel forces in '' Henry IV, Part 1''. **Vernon (fict) is a supporter of Richard, Duke of York (1) in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. *Escalus, Prince of Verona tries to keep the peace between Montague and Capulet, in '' Romeo and Juliet''. *''For'' Duke of Vienna ''see Vincentio in Measure for Measure.'' *Vincentio: **Vincentio, the Duke of Vienna, is a central character in '' Measure for Measure''. Disguised as Friar Lodowick, he intrigues to achieve justice for Isabella and other virtuous characters. **Vincentio is the father of Lucentio in ''
The Taming of the Shrew ''The Taming of the Shrew'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1592. The play begins with a framing device, often referred to as the induction, in which a mischievous nobleman tricks a drunken ...
''. **''See also The Pedant, who falsely claims to be Vincentio in
The Taming of the Shrew ''The Taming of the Shrew'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1592. The play begins with a framing device, often referred to as the induction, in which a mischievous nobleman tricks a drunken ...
.'' *A vintner (who may be the husband of Mistress Quickly) appears briefly in '' Henry IV, Part 1''. *Viola is the central character of ''
Twelfth Night ''Twelfth Night'', or ''What You Will'' is a romantic comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written around 1601–1602 as a Twelfth Night's entertainment for the close of the Christmas season. The play centres on the twins Vi ...
''. She disguises herself as a boy and calls herself “Cesario”, to serve on Orsino's staff. Viola falls in love with Orsino, but Orsino is in love with Olivia, and Olivia falls in love with Cesario (Viola). *
Virgilia Virgilia is the wife of Coriolanus in William Shakespeare's play ''Coriolanus'' (1607–1610), in which same play Volumnia is his mother. Origins The life of the legendary figure Caius Marcius Coriolanus has been recorded more than once. In ...
is the hero's wife in ''
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
''. *Volsce/Volscian: **A Volsce (named Adrian) encounters the Roman, Ninacor, and hears the news that Coriolanus is banished from Rome in ''
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
''. **''See the other part of a character's title where "Volsce" is used as an adjective (e.g. see "Lords" for "Volscian Lords").'' *Voltemand and Cornelius are two ambassadors from Claudius to the Norwegian court, in ''
Hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play, with 29,551 words. Set in Denmark, the play depicts ...
''. *
Volumnia Volumnia is a character in William Shakespeare's play ''Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman lead ...
is Coriolanus' mother. She persuades him not to attack Rome, leading to his destruction, in ''
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
''. *Volumnius ( hist) is a friend and follower of Brutus in ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
''. He refuses to assist Brutus' suicide.


W

*A Waiting Woman exchanges bawdy banter with Emilia, in ''
The Two Noble Kinsmen ''The Two Noble Kinsmen'' is a Jacobean tragicomedy, first published in 1634 and attributed jointly to John Fletcher and William Shakespeare. Its plot derives from " The Knight's Tale" in Geoffrey Chaucer's '' The Canterbury Tales'', which h ...
''. *''For'' Wall ''see Tom Snout.'' *Walter: **Sir Walter Blunt is a soldier and messenger to the king in '' Henry IV, Part 1''. He is killed by Douglas while wearing the king's armour. **Sir Walter Herbert is a follower of Richmond in '' Richard III''. **Walter Whitmore (fict) kills Suffolk in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. *Two Warders of the Tower of London bar Gloucester's entrance: leading to a fight between Gloucester's men and Winchester's men, in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. *Wart is pressed into military service by Falstaff in '' Henry IV, Part 2''. *Earl of Warwick: **The Earl of Warwick (1) ( hist) is a supporter of King Henry in '' Henry IV, Part 2''. **The Earl of Warwick (2) ( hist) is an important player in the Wars of the Roses, firstly for the Yorkist party, and then for the Lancastrians. He appears in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
'', ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
'', and ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. *Watch/Watchmen: **The Watch of the city of Rouen allows Joan and her soldiers, disguised, to enter the gates, in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. **The Watch (two of whom are minor speaking roles), and a Sentry, witness the death of Enobarbus, in '' Antony and Cleopatra''. **Three Watchmen guard King Edward IV's tent, in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. **Several Watchmen, two of them speaking roles, serve under Dogberry and Verges, and apprehend Conrade and Borachio, in ''
Much Ado About Nothing ''Much Ado About Nothing'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare thought to have been written in 1598 and 1599.See textual notes to ''Much Ado About Nothing'' in ''The Norton Shakespeare'' ( W. W. Norton & Company, 1997 ) p. 1387 The play ...
''. Two of them are called Hugh Oatcake and George Seacoal. **Several Watchmen, three of them speaking roles, discover the carnage at Capulet's tomb, at the end of '' Romeo and Juliet''. **Several Volscian Watchmen, two of them speaking roles, try to prevent Menenius meeting ''
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
''. *Smith the Weaver (fict) is a follower of Jack Cade in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. *''For
Weird Sisters The Three Witches, also known as the Weird Sisters or Wayward Sisters, are characters in William Shakespeare's play '' Macbeth'' (c. 1603–1607). The witches eventually lead Macbeth to his demise, and they hold a striking resemblance to t ...
, see Witches.'' *The Abbott of Westminster (fict) supports Richard and the Bishop of Carlisle in '' Richard II''. *Earl of Westmoreland: **The Earl of Westmoreland (1) ( hist) is one of the leaders of the royal forces in '' Henry IV, Part 1'', '' Henry IV, Part 2'', and '' Henry V''. **The Earl of Westmoreland (2) ( hist) fights for King Henry in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. *Walter Whitmore (fict) kills Suffolk in ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. *Widow: **A Widow, mother to Diana, provides lodgings to Helena in '' All's Well That Ends Well''. **A Widow marries Hortensio, and behaves shrewishly in the final act of ''
The Taming of the Shrew ''The Taming of the Shrew'' is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1592. The play begins with a framing device, often referred to as the induction, in which a mischievous nobleman tricks a drunken ...
''. *Wife: **''For Wife of Macduff, see Lady Macduff.'' **''For the Merry Wives of Windsor, see Mistress Ford and Mistress Page.'' *Will is a drawer in '' Henry IV, Part 2''. *William: **The Duke of Suffolk (William de la Pole) ( hist) is a manipulative character, loved by Queen Margaret, in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
'' and ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. **Sir William Lucy (fict) is a soldier and messenger for the English in France in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. **Sir William Stanley ( hist), the historical brother of Lord Stanley from '' Richard III'', is a minor character of the Yorkist faction in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. **William is a foolish youth, a suitor to Audrey, in '' As You Like It''. **William Page is a minor youthful comic character, the son of Master and Mistress Page, and the younger brother of Anne Page in '' The Merry Wives of Windsor''. * Michael Williams (fict) (notably played by Michael Williams in
Kenneth Branagh Sir Kenneth Charles Branagh (; born 10 December 1960) is a British actor and filmmaker. Branagh trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and has served as its president since 2015. He has won an Academy Award, four BAFTAs (plus ...
's
film version A film adaptation is the transfer of a work or story, in whole or in part, to a feature film. Although often considered a type of derivative work, film adaptation has been conceptualized recently by academic scholars such as Robert Stam as a dia ...
) is a soldier who challenges the disguised Henry to a duel in '' Henry V''. *Willoughby ( hist) is a supporter of Bolingbroke in '' Richard II''. *A Sheriff of Wiltshire (fict) denies the condemned Buckingham access to King Richard, in '' Richard III''. *Winchester: **The Bishop of Winchester ( hist) (later "the Cardinal") is the chief enemy of Humphrey Duke of Gloucester in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
'' and ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
''. **''For'' ''The Bishop of Winchester'' ''in '' Henry VIII'', see Gardiner.'' *
Three Witches The Three Witches, also known as the Weird Sisters or Wayward Sisters, are characters in William Shakespeare's play ''Macbeth'' (c. 1603–1607). The witches eventually lead Macbeth to his demise, and they hold a striking resemblance to the ...
initiate Macbeth's lust for the crown of Scotland in '' Macbeth''. *Cardinal Wolsey ( hist) orchestrates the fall from grace of Buckingham and Katherine, but himself falls from grace and dies, in '' Henry VIII''. *''For Woman (in
The Two Noble Kinsmen ''The Two Noble Kinsmen'' is a Jacobean tragicomedy, first published in 1634 and attributed jointly to John Fletcher and William Shakespeare. Its plot derives from " The Knight's Tale" in Geoffrey Chaucer's '' The Canterbury Tales'', which h ...
) see Waiting Woman.'' *Woodville: **Woodville (hist) is Lieutenant of the Tower of London in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
''. **''See also Queen Elizabeth, Rivers, Dorset and Grey, all of whom are of the Woodville clan.'' *A Wooer of the Jailer's Daughter stays loyal to her throughout her madness, pretends to be Palamon in her presence, and after her cure, marries her, in ''
The Two Noble Kinsmen ''The Two Noble Kinsmen'' is a Jacobean tragicomedy, first published in 1634 and attributed jointly to John Fletcher and William Shakespeare. Its plot derives from " The Knight's Tale" in Geoffrey Chaucer's '' The Canterbury Tales'', which h ...
''. *The Earl of Worcester ( hist) is the brother of the Earl of Northumberland, and a leader of the rebel forces, in '' Henry IV, Part 1''.


Y

*Yorick:
Yorick Yorick is a character in William Shakespeare's play ''Hamlet''. He is the dead court jester whose skull is exhumed by the First Gravedigger in Act 5, Scene 1, of the play. The sight of Yorick's skull evokes a reminiscence by Prince Hamlet of t ...
*York: **Archbishop of York: ***The Archbishop of York (1) ( hist) is one of the rebel leaders in '' Henry IV, Part 1'' and '' Henry IV, Part 2''. ***The Archbishop of York (2) ( hist) assists Queen Elizabeth and the little Duke of York to obtain sanctuary in '' Richard III''. **Duchess of York: *** The Duchess of York (1) (unnamed) character in '' Richard II'', a composite of
Isabella of Castile, Duchess of York Isabella of Castile, Duchess of York (1355 – 23 December 1392) was the daughter of King Peter and his mistress María de Padilla (d. 1361). She accompanied her elder sister, Constance, to England after Constance's marriage to John of Gaunt, ...
, died 1392, the mother of Aumerle, and Joan Holland, who bore no children ***The Duchess of York (2) ( hist) is the wife of Richard, Duke of York (1) in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. She outlives him to mourn the death of two of their sons in '' Richard III''. **Duke of York: ***The Duke of York (1) ( hist) is the uncle of both Richard and Bolingbroke, and the father of Aumerle, in '' Richard II''. ***The Duke of York (2) ( hist) is a minor character, the leader of the "v award" in '' Henry V''. (Historically, this character is the same person as Aumerle.) ***Richard, Duke of York (1) ( hist) is a central character in ''
Henry VI, Part 1 ''Henry VI, Part 1'', often referred to as ''1 Henry VI'', is a history play by William Shakespeare—possibly in collaboration with Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe—believed to have been written in 1591. It is set during the lifetime ...
'', ''
Henry VI, Part 2 ''Henry VI, Part 2'' (often written as ''2 Henry VI'') is a Shakespearean history, history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas ''Henry VI, Part 1'' ...
'', and ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. He is the Yorkist claimant to the throne of England, in opposition to Henry VI, and he is eventually killed on the orders of Queen Margaret. ***Richard, Duke of York (2) ( hist) is the younger of the two
princes in the tower The Princes in the Tower refers to the apparent murder in England in the 1480s of the deposed King Edward V of England and Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York. These two brothers were the only sons of King Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville sur ...
, murdered on the orders of Richard in '' Richard III''. **The Mayor of York (hist) reluctantly supports the Yorkists in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
''. **Prince Edward of York later King Edward V ( hist) is the eldest son of Edward IV and Queen Elizabeth. He appears in ''
Henry VI, Part 3 ''Henry VI, Part 3'' (often written as ''3 Henry VI'') is a history play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1591 and set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. Whereas '' 1 Henry VI'' deals with the loss of Eng ...
'', and is the elder of the two
princes in the tower The Princes in the Tower refers to the apparent murder in England in the 1480s of the deposed King Edward V of England and Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York. These two brothers were the only sons of King Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville sur ...
in '' Richard III''. **''See also Edmund Mortimer, Aumerle, Queen Elizabeth and Lady Anne, all of whom are "of the House of York" directly or through marriage.'' *Young: **Young Cato is a soldier of Brutus' and Cassius' party, in ''
Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, ...
''. **Young Lucius, son of Lucius in ''
Titus Andronicus ''Titus Andronicus'' is a tragedy by William Shakespeare believed to have been written between 1588 and 1593, probably in collaboration with George Peele. It is thought to be Shakespeare's first tragedy and is often seen as his attempt to emul ...
'', and usually cast as a child, plays a part in exposing his aunt's rapists. **Young Seyward is the son of the Earl of Northumberland in '' Macbeth''. **''For Young Martius in ''
Coriolanus ''Coriolanus'' ( or ) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Shakespeare worked on it during the same yea ...
'', see Boy.'' **''See also Clifford.''


Z


Sources

* Anne Barton (ed.) New Penguin Shakespeare "The Tempest" * Edward Burns (ed.) The Arden Shakespeare (3rd series) "King Henry VI Part 1" * Andrew S. Cairncross (ed.) The Arden Shakespeare (2nd series) "King Henry VI Part 3" * John D. Cox and Eric Rasmussen (eds.) The Arden Shakespeare (3rd series) "King Henry VI Part 3" * T. W. Craik (ed.) The Arden Shakespeare (3rd series) "King Henry V" * P. H. Davison (ed.) New Penguin Shakespeare "Henry IV Part One" * P. H. Davison (ed.) New Penguin Shakespeare "Henry IV Part Two" * Philip Edwards (ed.) New Penguin Shakespeare "Pericles" * Bertrand Evans (ed.) The Signet Classic "The Two Gentlemen of Verona" *
Barbara Everett Barbara Everett (born 1932) is a Canadian-born British academic and literary critic, whose work has appeared frequently in the ''London Review of Books'' and ''The Independent''. In addition to her own publications, she is recognised as a leading ...
(ed.) Penguin Shakespeare "All's Well That Ends Well" * R. A. Foakes (ed.) Penguin Shakespeare "Much Ado About Nothing" * R. A. Foakes (ed.) Penguin Shakespeare "Troilus and Cressida" * Charles R. Forker (ed.) The Adren Shakespeare (3rd series) "King Richard II" * Antony Hammond (ed.) The Arden Shakespeare (2nd series) "King Richard III" * Robert B. Heilman (ed.) The Signet Classic "The Taming of the Shrew" * G.R. Hibbard (ed.) Penguin Shakespeare "Coriolanus" * G. R. Hibbard (ed.) Penguin Shakespeare "Timon of Athens" * E. A. J. Honigman (ed.) New Penguin Shakespeare "Richard III" * E. A. J. Honigman (ed.) The Arden Shakespeare (2nd series) "King John" * A. R. Humphreys (ed.) The Arden Shakespeare (2nd series) "King Henry IV Part 1" * A. R. Humphreys (ed.) The Arden Shakespeare (2nd series) "King Henry IV Part 2" * G. K. Hunter (ed.) New Penguin Shakespeare "Macbeth" * G. K. Hunter (ed.) New Penguin Shakespeare "King Lear" * David Scott Kastan (ed.) The Arden Shakespeare (3rd series) "King Henry IV Part 1" * John Kerrigan (ed.) Penguin Shakespeare "Love's Labour's Lost" * Ronald Knowles (ed.) The Arden Shakespeare (3rd series) "King Henry VI Part II" * M. M. Mahood (ed.) New Penguin Shakespeare "Twelfth Night" * Sonia Massai (ed.) Penguin Shakespeare "Titus Andronicus" * Gordon McMullan (ed.) The Arden Shakespeare (3rd series) "King Henry VIII" * Giorgio Melchiori (ed.) The Arden Shakespeare (3rd series) "The Merry Wives of Windsor" * E. Moelwyn Merchant (ed.) New Penguin Shakespeare "The Merchant of Venice" * Kenneth Muir (ed.) New Penguin Shakespeare "Othello" * Kenneth Muir (ed.) The Arden Shakespeare (2nd series) "Macbeth" * J. M. Nosworthy (ed.) New Penguin Shakespeare "Measure for Measure" * H. J. Oliver (ed.) New Penguin Shakespeare "As You Like It" * John Pitcher (ed.) Penguin Shakespeare "Cymbeline" * Lois Potter (ed.) ''
The Arden Shakespeare The Arden Shakespeare is a long-running series of scholarly editions of the works of William Shakespeare. It presents fully edited modern-spelling editions of the plays and poems, with lengthy introductions and full commentaries. There have been t ...
'' (3rd series) "The Two Noble Kinsmen" * Norman Sanders (ed.) New Penguin Shakespeare "Julius Caesar" * Ernest Schanzer (ed.) New Penguin Shakespeare "The Winter's Tale" * T. J. B. Spencer (ed.) New Penguin Shakespeare "Romeo and Juliet" * T. J. B. Spencer (ed.) New Penguin Shakespeare "Hamlet" * Peter Ure (ed.) The Arden Shakespeare (2nd series) "King Richard II" * Virginia Mason Vaughan and Alden T. Vaughan (eds.) The Arden Shakespeare (3rd series) "The Tempest" * Stanley Wells (ed.) Penguin Shakespeare "The Comedy of Errors" * Stanley Wells (ed.) New Penguin Shakespeare "A Midsummer Night's Dream" * John Wilders (ed.) The Arden Shakespeare (3rd Series) "Antony and Cleopatra"


External links


Open Source Shakespeare
character list: counting the number of lines for each character. {{DEFAULTSORT:Shakespearean Characters: L-Z * Shakespearean characters: L-Z Lists of theatre characters Lists of literary characters by writers