On the Art of Writing · Character
Ben Jonson
Elizabethan playwright and poet cited for his critical views.
minor
Also known as Jonson, Ben
First appearance: lecture iii on the difference between verse and prose
Ben Jonson's tie to Shakespeare is one of the pressures that moves On the Art of Writing—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.
Quoted for his remark that Shakespeare never blotted a line and should have blotted a thousand.
Ben Jonson first appears in 0005 lecture iii on the difference between verse and prose.
With Shakespeare (rivalry): Ben Jonson and Shakespeare share a competitive yet respectful rivalry as contemporary playwrights. With Shakespeare (rivalry): Ben Jonson and Shakespeare share a competitive yet respectful rivalry as contemporary playwrights.
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Character Web
23 connectionsA slice of how Ben Jonson sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Rivalry
- Other
Character groups
- Poetic and Dramatic Models
- Protagonist
- Broad Canon of Reference
+18 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where the lecturer’s…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Shakespeare
rivalry · ambivalent
Ben Jonson and Shakespeare share a competitive yet respectful rivalry as contemporary… How this plays out →
- Shakespeare
rivalry · ambivalent
Ben Jonson and Shakespeare share a competitive yet respectful rivalry as contemporary… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Ben Jonson in lecture iii on the difference between verse and proseIn the story
Ben Jonson appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Ben Jonson unlock in the free preview.
See Ben Jonson in lecture iii on the difference between verse and prose