* Thomas Kyd: Kyd was a playwright who is best known for his play *The Spanish Tragedy*. This play was a popular success and influenced Shakespeare's use of revenge themes and his exploration of the darker aspects of human nature.
* Ben Jonson: Jonson was a playwright, poet, and critic who was Shakespeare's contemporary. He was known for his satirical plays and his use of classical themes. Jonson's work influenced Shakespeare's later plays, such as *The Tempest* and *The Winter's Tale*.
* Edmund Spenser: Spenser was a poet who is best known for his epic poem *The Faerie Queene*. This poem was a popular success and influenced Shakespeare's use of allegory and his exploration of moral themes.
* The Bible: The Bible was a major source of inspiration for Shakespeare. He used biblical stories, characters, and themes in many of his plays, such as *King Lear* and *The Merchant of Venice*.
* Classical Literature: Shakespeare was also influenced by classical literature, such as the works of Homer, Virgil, and Ovid. He used classical myths, characters, and themes in many of his plays, such as *Troilus and Cressida* and *Antony and Cleopatra*.
These are just a few of the people and influences that helped to shape Shakespeare's work. He was a master of language and storytelling, and he drew inspiration from a wide variety of sources.