10. Brutus (Julius Caesar)

Brutus, the mastermind behind Julius Caesar’s assassination in the play of the same name, has a large range of skills that showcase his intelligence, from rhetorical ability, as shown in his persuasion of the Roman citizens, and his critical thinking skills. However, he makes several blunders, particularly in underestimating Mark Antony, that keep him at the bottom of the list.

9. Benedick (Much Ado About Nothing)

Benedick looms large in Shakespeare as one of the wittiest, most humorous characters in the canon, always ready with a great line. However, his intelligence is severely diminished by his ability to be easily fooled by the trick his friends played on him to fall in love with Beatrice, keeping him near the bottom of the list.

8. Viola (Twelfth Night)

In “Twelfth Night,” Viola assumes a male disguise after getting shipwrecked and separated from her twin brother, posing as Cesario. Her navigation of complex situations, including a wit-filled love triangle with Olivia and Cesario, and omnipresent empathy prove she has powerful emotional intelligence.

7. Rosalind (As You Like It)

Rosalind, the heroine of “As You Like It,” stands out as easily the wittiest and shrewdest character not only in the play but arguably in all of the canon. Her interactions with others particularly highlight her deep understanding of human nature and ability to adapt.

6. Prospero (The Tempest)

Prospero’s extraordinary intelligence shows all through the play. As a former Duke of Milan, his skill with his magical powers, his understanding of human psychology, his skill with rhetoric, and his resilience and resourcefulness all prove his intelligence.

5. Cleopatra (Antony and Cleopatra)

Cleopatra from “Antony and Cleopatra” has a rare multidimensional intelligence throughout the play. From her charisma to her political acumen, she proves throughout the play that she is capable of everything, which proves her unique intelligence.

4. Iago (Othello)

In “Othello,” Iago showcases his emotional intelligence through his strategic planning and psychological manipulation. His impenetrable web of deception and clear understanding of others grant him a different but nevertheless valuable intelligence to the other occupants of the list.

3. Portia (The Merchant of Venice)

Portia’s intelligence shows itself in her eloquence, legal skill, wit, and strategic thinking, to name a few. The undoubted mastermind of the play, succeeding in outwitting even Shylock through legal loopholes, she stands out in Shakespeare’s canon as a clear bright mind.

2. Richard III (Richard III)

Richard III, the Machiavellian focus of “Richard III,” is characterized by his exceptional intelligence and talent at strategic thinking and manipulation. His masterful use of rhetoric to deceive characters like Lady Anne and Buckingham showcases both traditional and emotional intelligence.

1. Hamlet (Hamlet)

Hamlet’s intelligence is displayed throughout the play by his extensive vocabulary, elegant soliloquies, and his philosophical nature. Hamlet’s constant questioning of reality, morality, and the human condition and his deductive abilities and shrewd analysis of Claudius and Polonius are clearly indicative of his mental capacity.