- Birth and Death: Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, on April 23, 1564, and is believed to have died on the same date in 1616.
- Education: While the extent of his formal education is not precisely known, Shakespeare likely attended the King's New School in Stratford, where he would have studied Latin and the classics.
- Acting and Playwright: Shakespeare was not only a renowned playwright but also an actor. He was a principal member of the Lord Chamberlain's Men, later known as the King's Men, acting in many of his own plays.
- Sonnets: In addition to his plays, Shakespeare wrote 154 sonnets, which explore various themes such as love, beauty, time, and mortality.
- Authorship Question: The authorship of Shakespeare's works has been a subject of debate, known as the Shakespeare authorship question. Some argue that someone other than William Shakespeare wrote his plays and poems. However, the majority of scholars and experts support Shakespeare's authorship.
- Influence of Language: Shakespeare's plays have had a profound influence on the English language, introducing many words and phrases still commonly used today. He has been credited with inventing or using terms like "fashionable," "bedazzled," and "laughable."
- Historical Context: Shakespeare lived in a time of significant historical events, such as the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, the defeat of the Spanish Armada, and the Gunpowder Plot. Many of his plays reflect the social, political, and cultural context of his era.
- Collaborations: Shakespeare collaborated with his contemporaries, including Thomas Middleton and John Fletcher, on certain plays like "The Two Noble Kinsmen" and "Henry VIII."
- Globe Theatre: Shakespeare is closely associated with the Globe Theatre in London, which was built in 1599. He was part of the playing company that performed at the Globe and many of his plays premiered there.
- Lack of Manuscripts: Unfortunately, no original manuscripts of Shakespeare's plays have survived. The most authoritative versions of his works come from the First Folio, published in 1623, seven years after his death.