- Richard Burbage: Burbage was a prominent actor in Shakespeare's company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later known as the King's Men). He was known for his performances in leading roles such as Hamlet and Macbeth.
- Ben Jonson: Jonson was a playwright, poet, and actor. He was a friend and contemporary of Shakespeare, and his works were often performed by Shakespeare's company. Jonson wrote a number of poems and tributes to Shakespeare, including the famous lines: "He was not of an age, but for all time."
- Christopher Marlowe: Marlowe was another playwright and poet of the Elizabethan era. He was a rival of Shakespeare, and their works were often compared and contrasted. Marlowe was known for his plays such as "Doctor Faustus" and "Tamburlaine".
- Francis Bacon: Bacon was a philosopher, statesman, and scientist. He was a contemporary of Shakespeare, and they may have known each other through mutual acquaintances in the court of Queen Elizabeth I.
- Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton: Southampton was a patron of Shakespeare's plays and sonnets. He is believed to be the dedicatee of Shakespeare's early poems, "Venus and Adonis" and "The Rape of Lucrece".
In addition to these individuals, Shakespeare would have known a wide range of people during his lifetime, including fellow actors, playwrights, nobles, artisans, and ordinary citizens. The Elizabethan theater world was a closely-knit community, and Shakespeare's plays reflect his encounters and experiences with a variety of social groups and individuals.