presents a complete and handy guide to the men and women who throng Shakespeare's plays. It provides: * detailed biographical information on each leading figure * analyses of the role and significance of each minor figure * a reliable guide to the huge Shakespearian canon for student and teacher * quotations from famous critics * useful information on some of Shakespeare's sources. From Antonio to Yorick, Macbeth to Mercutio, this book embraces the breadth and depth of the world's most important playwright.