Shakespeare’s body of work was profoundly influenced by classical literature, among his most prominent sources of inspiration the writings of Ovid, Plutarch, and Seneca. These classical authors particularly impacted his themes, characters, and narrative structures, especially his tragedies like “Julius Caesar” and “Antony and Cleopatra.”

Many of the plots of Shakespeare’s histories, such as Richard III or Henry V, were taken from English history. Foremost among his sources of these stories was “Holinshed’s Chronicles,” a comprehensive compendium of historical accounts that offered detailed insights into the annals of English history.

Italian Renaissance literature, notable the writings of Boccaccio and Bandello, influenced many of Shakespeare’s plays; for example, “Romeo and Juliet” was referenced in Dante’s Divine Comedy around 300 years before Shakespeare’s version. He also took the celebrated sonnet form from Petrarch, who popularized the form.

Greek and Roman mythology no doubt inspired Shakespeare’s plays, including “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Troilus and Cressida.” In “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Titania and Oberon’s behavior mirrors the capriciousness of Greek and Roman deities, and in “Troilus and Cressida” draws from the dark and complex elements of Greek mythology.

Shakespeare’s work was undoubtedly influenced by his contemporaries, most notably Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Kyd. Marlowe, famous for his powerful verse and dramatic flair, introduced themes of ambition and grandeur that may have spurred Shakespeare’s examination of these topics in works like “Macbeth.” Similarly, Thomas Kyd’s blank verse and complex characters likely inspired Shakespeare’s own use of these.

Shakespeare’s tragedies, particularly “Hamlet,” no doubt were influenced by Greek tragedy. The archetype of the tragic hero, a central figure brought to ruin by a fatal flaw, is clearly present in Shakespeare’s work as well. Additionally, the themes of fate, morality, and consequences, so ingrained in Greek tragedy, also show in Shakespeare’s.