Trying To Read Entire Plays
Most of Shakespeare’s plays are quite long, making a complete read-through daunting. Most of his renowned tragedies (with the exception of Macbeth) range from the high 20,000s to the 30,000s in terms of word count, so when just starting out a good approach would be to pick a few scenes to read. This will allow one to capture the essence of the play without getting scared off by navigating the extraneous scenes at the beginning of one’s journey with Shakespeare.

Not Watching Enough Films
Films are great aids that enhance the experience of reading Shakespeare. The plays were meant to be watched, not read, and without visual context, full comprehension might be difficult. For example, only reading the plays may make it difficult to pick up on tone or sarcasm. It is also worth noting that not all movies are created equal, and some are more beginner-friendly. When trying to digest Romeo and Juliet, for instance, one should opt for the abridged, more digestible 2013 adaptation or the more accessible 1996 adaptation instead of jumping directly into the 1978 TV adaptation that features the whole play.

Starting With the Wrong Plays
Though new readers might be tempted to start with the famous plays such as “King Lear” or “Hamlet”, a better approach would be to start with easier plays. While the depth and complexity of the great tragedies are undeniable, they are better suited to more experienced readers. Their extensive word counts and dense plots can potentially overwhelm readers who are still getting accustomed to Shakespeare’s unique language and style. I have an article on some better choices.

Reading the Wrong Editions
The edition has a great impact on one’s Shakespeare reading experience, so choosing the right one is of commensurate importance. For beginners, opting for editions with comprehensive notes is advisable. No Fear Shakespeare and Oxford School editions are particularly helpful. No Fear Shakespeare has both the original text and a modern English version side-by-side, virtually eliminating confusion, although it is still important to learn to understand the original text. The notes presented in both editions help with historical context, linguistic nuances, and references that may be hidden to modern readers. Contrarily, editions with small fonts and few annotations could make reading Shakespeare a headache.

Neglecting the Sonnets
While the plays are fascinating, the sonnets should not be forgotten, as they provide a more intimate look into Shakespeare’s own thoughts in deeply personal and even philosophical ways, sometimes even shedding light on the plays. Some of his most world-changing lines and sentiments are present in his sonnets (see sonnet 147, one of my personal favorites).