- Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford
- Christopher Marlowe
- William Stanley, 6th Earl of Derby
- Sir Francis Bacon
- Queen Elizabeth I
- William Byrd
These alternative candidates have gained various levels of support from different researchers and enthusiasts. However, it is important to note that there is no consensus on any alternative author, and the vast majority of scholars and experts in Shakespearean studies still firmly attribute the works to William Shakespeare of Stratford-upon-Avon.
The main arguments for these alternative candidates often center around ideas such as Shakespeare's lack of formal education, the apparent inconsistencies between the writer's knowledge and the known biography of Shakespeare, and the exceptional quality and sophistication of the works compared to other contemporary writings of the time.
However, there are substantial counterarguments to these claims, and the majority of scholars find the evidence in favor of Shakespeare's authorship to be convincing. The alternative theories, while intriguing and a testament to the enduring fascination with Shakespeare's works, remain largely speculative and have not gained significant traction in academic circles.