35 Shakespeare Trivia Questions and Answers

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William Shakespeare, often called the Bard of Avon, is one of the most influential writers in English literature. Known for his tragedies, comedies, and histories, his works have captivated audiences for centuries with their timeless themes, complex characters, and poetic language. From the iconic lines of Hamlet to the enchanting world of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s plays offer a rich tapestry of human emotion, drama, and wit. How well do you know the Bard’s works?

Test your knowledge with these 35 Shakespeare trivia questions, exploring famous quotes, memorable characters, and intriguing plot twists. Perfect for literature enthusiasts and Shakespeare fans alike!

Related Trivia:

1. In which year was William Shakespeare born?

1564

2. In which English town was Shakespeare born?

Stratford-upon-Avon

3. What is the name of Shakespeare’s wife?

Anne Hathaway

4. How many plays did William Shakespeare write?

Approximately 37

5. Which play features the characters Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?

Hamlet

6. What is the name of the theater associated with Shakespeare’s works?

The Globe Theatre

7. Which Shakespearean play includes the famous line, “To be or not to be”?

Hamlet

8. Who is the prince of Denmark in a Shakespearean tragedy?

Hamlet

9. Which play is set on the island of Cyprus?

Othello

10. What tragedy features the characters Desdemona and Iago?

Othello

11. Which play is often referred to as “The Scottish Play” by actors?

Macbeth

12. Who is the female lead in *Romeo and Juliet*?

Juliet

13. Which king features as the main character in Shakespeare’s historical play, *Henry V*?

King Henry V

14. In which play does the character Shylock appear?

The Merchant of Venice

15. Which Shakespearean play features the fairy Puck?

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

16. What are the names of the two feuding families in *Romeo and Juliet*?

The Montagues and the Capulets

17. Which play features the famous line, “All the world’s a stage”?

As You Like It

18. In which play does the character Prospero appear?

The Tempest

19. Who is the jealous Moorish general in *Othello*?

Othello

20. Which comedy involves twins named Viola and Sebastian?

Twelfth Night

21. Who is the villain in *Richard III*?

Richard III

22. What is the name of Hamlet’s mother?

Gertrude

23. In which play does Portia appear and deliver the “quality of mercy” speech?

The Merchant of Venice

24. Which play contains the line “Out, damned spot!”?

Macbeth

25. Who are the title characters in Shakespeare’s only play with two names?

Antony and Cleopatra

26. What genre is Shakespeare’s play *The Tempest* classified as?

Romance

27. Which Shakespearean character delivers the “Friends, Romans, countrymen” speech?

Mark Antony in *Julius Caesar*

28. Who is the protagonist of *Macbeth*?

Macbeth

29. What is the title of Shakespeare’s last play?

The Tempest

30. What play is considered Shakespeare’s first tragedy?

Titus Andronicus

31. Who was Shakespeare’s patron during much of his career?

The Earl of Southampton

32. Which Shakespearean play explores the theme of jealousy?

Othello

33. In which play does the character Lady Macbeth appear?

Macbeth

34. What is the name of the ghost in *Hamlet*?

King Hamlet

35. Who is the King of the Fairies in *A Midsummer Night’s Dream*?

Oberon