# William Shakespeare — Poetry character guide > William Shakespeare in Poetry by William Shakespeare. **Role:** minor **Also known as:** Shakespeare **First appearance:** 0183-endnotes ## Who they are The author, mentioned in the endnotes or dedication. ## In the story ### [Sonnet 138](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/i) The speaker who reflects on the lies and truths in his romantic relationship. ### [Sonnet 144](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/ii) The speaker of the sonnet, reflecting on his two loves. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/viii) The poet who loves Spenser's poetry and addresses the friend. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xiv) The speaker who suffers from unrequited love and exile. ### [Sonnets](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/sonnets) Referred to as 'our ever-living poet' in the dedication. ### [Sonnet II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/ii) The speaker who delivers the warning about aging and the need for legacy. ### [Sonnet VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/viii) The poet who delivers the argument for marriage. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/ix) The speaker who argues against self-consuming single life. ### [Sonnet X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/x) The speaker who pleads with the young man to change his ways. ### [Sonnet XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xi) The speaker who counsels the young man to marry and have children. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xiv) The poet-speaker who rejects conventional astrology and reads his prophecies in the beloved's eyes. ### [Sonnet XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xv) The poet who vows to engraft the beloved anew through his art. ### [Sonnet XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xvi) The poet speaks in first person, contrasting his 'barren rhyme' with the youth's potential to create 'living flowers'. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xvii) The poet who worries his verse will not be believed by future ages. ### [Sonnet XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xix) The poet who defiantly promises immortality through his verse. ### [Sonnet 20](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xx) The poet speaker addresses the youth, expressing his love and the paradox of the beloved's androgynous beauty. ### [Sonnet 21](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xxi) The poet-speaker asserts his own truthful style of writing about love. ### [Sonnet XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xxii) The speaker who reflects on aging and the exchange of hearts with the beloved. ### [Sonnet XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xxiii) The speaker of the sonnet, expressing his inability to articulate love verbally. ### [Sonnet XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xxiv) The speaker who uses the metaphor of the eye as painter to describe how the beloved's image is etched in his heart. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xxv) The speaker reflects on the instability of public honor versus the constancy of love. ### [Sonnet XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xxvi) The poet speaker who sends this written embassage in humble duty. ### [Sonnet XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xxvii) The speaker of the sonnet, expressing his restless devotion and mental pilgrimage toward the beloved. ### [Sonnet XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xxviii) The speaker of the sonnet, expressing personal anguish over separation from the beloved. ### [Sonnet XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xxix) The speaker of the sonnet, expressing personal despair and redemption through love. ### [Sonnet 30](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xxx) The speaker who summons remembrance of things past and laments lost friends. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xxxi) The speaker who mourns and then finds his lost loves resurrected in the beloved. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xxxii) The speaker who contemplates his own mortality and the legacy of his verse. ### [Sonnet XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xxxiii) The speaker who observes the fleeting beauty of the morning and the friend's radiance. ### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xxxiv) The speaker who expresses betrayal and forgiveness. ### [Sonnet XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xxxv) The speaker who wrestles with excusing the beloved's fault and admits his own corrupting role. ### [Sonnet XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xxxvi) The speaker who confesses the necessity of separation and bears guilt alone. ### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xxxvii) The speaker who compares himself to a decrepit father and takes comfort in the beloved's virtues. ### [Sonnet XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xxxviii) The poet speaks in first person, acknowledging his own creative debt to the beloved. ### [Sonnet XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xxxix) The poet speaker who contemplates the nature of praise and separation. ### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xl) The speaker of the sonnet, addressing his beloved with a mixture of generosity and reproach. ### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xlii) The speaker of the sonnet, expressing personal grief and rationalization. ### [Sonnet XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xliii) The speaker who contrasts waking blindness with dream vision. ### [XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xliv) The speaker of the sonnet, expressing longing and frustration over physical separation. ### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xlv) The speaker who sends his thoughts and desires to the beloved. ### [XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xlvi) The speaker of the sonnet, personifying his eye and heart in a legal dispute over the beloved. ### [XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xlvii) The speaker of the sonnet, describing the pact between his eye and heart. ### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xlviii) The speaker of the sonnet, expressing anxiety over the safety of his beloved. ### [Sonnet XLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xlix) The speaker who reflects on his own defects and anticipates rejection. ### [Sonnet 50](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/l) The speaker of the sonnet, journeying away from his friend. ### [Sonnet LI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/li) The speaker who excuses his horse's slowness and expresses his own desire to return to the beloved. ### [Sonnet LII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/lii) The speaker of the sonnet, reflecting on the value of rarity and anticipation in love. ### [Sonnet LIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/liv) The poet who promises to preserve the youth's truth through his verse. ### [Sonnet LV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/lv) The poet who promises immortality through his verse. ### [Sonnet LVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/lvii) The speaker of the sonnet, expressing his devotion and servitude. ### [Sonnet LVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/lviii) The speaker who declares himself a vassal bound to the beloved's pleasure. ### [Sonnet LIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/lix) The speaker of the sonnet, musing on originality and the passage of time. ### [LXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/lxi) The speaker of the sonnet, lying awake and reflecting on his love. ### [Sonnet LXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/lxii) The speaker who examines his own self-love and aging. ### [Sonnet LXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/lxv) The poet who hopes to preserve beauty through his verse. ### [Sonnet LXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/lxvi) The speaker of the sonnet, expressing profound disillusionment with the world. ### [Sonnet LXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/lxix) The speaker who reflects on the disparity between the youth's appearance and his deeds. ### [LXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/lxxi) The speaker who addresses the beloved about his own death and legacy. ### [LXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/lxxii) The speaker who expresses shame about his own worth and fears posthumous false praise. ### [LXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/lxxiv) The poet-speaker reflects on his own mortality and the enduring power of his verse. ### [LXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/lxxv) The speaker of the sonnet, expressing obsessive dependence on the beloved. ### [Sonnet LXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/lxxvi) The speaker of the sonnet, reflecting on his own poetic style and devotion. ### [LXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/lxxviii) The poet who speaks of invoking his Muse and contrasts his own art with that of other writers. ### [Sonnet LXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/lxxix) The poet who calls upon his muse and acknowledges his declining verse. ### [Sonnet 80](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/lxxx) The poet who feels faint and inferior when writing of the beloved. ### [Sonnet 81](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/lxxxi) The poet who speaks of his own mortality and his power to immortalize the beloved through verse. ### [Sonnet LXXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/lxxxii) The speaker of the sonnet, who defends his plain style against the ornate flattery of rival poets. ### [Sonnet LXXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/lxxxiii) The poet-speaker who defends his silence and critiques other poets' attempts to praise the beloved. ### [Sonnet LXXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/lxxxv) The poet reflects on his own inability to produce eloquent praise, valuing his inner thoughts over outward words. ### [Sonnet LXXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/lxxxvi) The speaker, reflecting on his creative paralysis and rivalry. ### [LXXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/lxxxvii) The speaker who laments the loss of the beloved and reflects on his own unworthiness. ### [Sonnet LXXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/lxxxviii) The poet-speaker who vows to fight against himself to prove the beloved virtuous. ### [Sonnet LXXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/lxxxix) The speaker who declares self-disgrace and estrangement to please the beloved. ### [Sonnet XCI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xci) The speaker who reflects on the superiority of love over worldly pride. ### [Sonnet XCII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xcii) The speaker who declares his life dependent on the beloved's love and contemplates the security and risk of this bond. ### [Sonnet XCVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xcvii) The speaker of the sonnet, expressing deep melancholy and longing during absence from the beloved. ### [Sonnet XCVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/xcviii) The poet-speaker who laments being separated from the beloved ### [Sonnet CI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/ci) The poet speaks in first person, instructing the Muse to immortalize the beloved. ### [Sonnet CII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cii) The speaker of the sonnet, reflecting on the nature of his love and his poetic silence. ### [Sonnet CIV: The Illusion of Unchanging Beauty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/civ) The poet-speaker reflects on the passage of time and the deceptive constancy of the friend's beauty. ### [Sonnet CV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cv) The poet-speaker defends his constancy in love and verse. ### [CVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cvi) The poet who marvels at the beloved's beauty and laments his own inability to praise it fully. ### [Sonnet CVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cviii) The poet who expresses his unchanging love and devotion through verse. ### [Sonnet CIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cix) The speaker who protests his constancy and devotion. ### [Sonnet CX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cx) The speaker of the sonnet, confessing his own faults and reaffirming his devotion. ### [Sonnet CXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxi) The speaker who reflects on the stain of his public profession and seeks renewal through the friend's pity. ### [Sonnet CXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxii) The speaker who dismisses public opinion and relies solely on the beloved's approval. ### [CXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxiii) The speaker of the sonnet, reflecting on the power of inner vision over physical sight. ### [Sonnet CXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxiv) The speaker of the sonnet, reflecting on the nature of his perception and love. ### [Sonnet CXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxvii) The speaker who addresses the beloved, defending his actions. ### [Sonnet CXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxviii) The speaker of the sonnet, reflecting on his own misguided strategy in love. ### [Sonnet CXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxix) The speaker of the sonnet, reflecting on his own past mistakes and emotional turmoil. ### [Sonnet CXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxx) The speaker of the sonnet, reflecting on past unkindness and seeking mutual forgiveness. ### [CXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxxi) The speaker of the sonnet, asserting his own moral autonomy against false judgment. ### [Sonnet CXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxxii) The speaker who asserts that the beloved's gift is etched in his memory. ### [Sonnet CXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxxvii) The speaker, defending the beauty of his dark mistress against conventional standards. ### [CXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxxviii) The speaker who envies the jacks and longs for the beloved's kiss. ### [Sonnet CXXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxxx) The speaker of the sonnet, offering a realistic portrayal of his mistress. ### [CXXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxxxi) The speaker, expressing conflicted devotion to the Dark Lady. ### [Sonnet CXXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxxxiii) The speaker who groans over the wound given to his friend and himself. ### [CXXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxxxiv) The speaker who confesses his own mortgaged will and loss of the friend. ### [CXXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxxxv) The speaker, punning on his own name 'Will' as he addresses the Dark Lady. ### [CXXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxxxvi) The speaker who identifies himself by the name 'Will' and argues for acceptance. ### [CXXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxxxviii) The speaker who reflects on mutual deception in love. ### [Sonnet CXXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxxxix) The speaker of the sonnet, addressing his beloved. ### [CXL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxl) The speaker who pleads for mercy and warns of the consequences of disdain. ### [Sonnet CXLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxli) The speaker of the sonnet, confessing his irrational love. ### [CXLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxlii) The speaker of the sonnet, confessing his sinful love and accusing the beloved of hypocrisy. ### [Sonnet 143](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxliii) The speaker who compares himself to a neglected child. ### [CXLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxliv) The speaker who reflects on his two loves. ### [Sonnet CXLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxlvii) The speaker of the sonnet, expressing his feverish and irrational love. ### [Sonnet CXLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cxlix) The speaker who defends his love against accusations of not loving. ### [Sonnet 151](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/cli) The speaker who addresses his beloved and reflects on love and conscience ### [Sonnet CLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/clii) The speaker who confesses his own perjury and accuses the beloved of breaking vows. ### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/chapters/endnotes) Mentioned as the author whose original intent for Sonnet 146 is debated due to a printer's error. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/characters/william_shakespeare - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_28_se/characters