- Ben Jonson: Jonson was a contemporary of Shakespeare and widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of the Elizabethan era. He was known for his satirical comedies, such as "Volpone" and "The Alchemist." Jonson also wrote a number of tragedies, including "Sejanus His Fall" and "Catiline."
- Christopher Marlowe: Marlowe was a playwright and poet who died at a young age but had a significant impact on English literature. He is best known for his tragic plays, such as "Dr. Faustus" and "Tamburlaine the Great." Marlowe's work is characterized by its use of blank verse and its exploration of dark themes, such as ambition and revenge.
- Thomas Kyd: Kyd was a playwright who is best known for his play "The Spanish Tragedy." This play was a huge success and is considered to be one of the first revenge tragedies. Kyd's work is characterized by its use of violence and sensationalism.
- John Webster: Webster was a playwright who is best known for his tragedies, such as "The Duchess of Malfi" and "The White Devil." Webster's work is characterized by its use of dark imagery and its exploration of themes, such as corruption and betrayal.
In order to keep up with Shakespeare, these playwrights tried to outdo him in terms of spectacle and sensationalism. They used increasingly graphic violence, more elaborate costumes and sets, and more complex plots. They also tried to appeal to a wider audience by writing plays that were more populist in nature.
Ultimately, Shakespeare was able to maintain his dominance over the English stage because of his superior writing skills. His plays were more nuanced, more complex, and more emotionally powerful than those of his competitors. He also had a natural ability to connect with his audience and to create characters that were both believable and relatable.