The Most Famous English Playwright, Ranked

Choose the playwright you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 26, 2024 07:42
Assessing the impact of English playwrights offers a glimpse into the evolution of language, culture, and societal norms through stage performances. Voters find it beneficial to review and rank these artists based on their contributions to both art and society. This process not only highlights influential literary works but also fosters a deeper appreciation of the historical context in which these plays were written. By participating in this ranking, audiences contribute to a collective acknowledgement of artistic excellence, ensuring that noteworthy contributions are recognized and celebrated. Each vote helps to adjust the rankings, providing a dynamic reflection of public opinion and preferences. Thus, actively engaging in this process enriches the overall understanding of the theatrical arts.

Who Is the Most Famous English Playwright?

  1. 2
    11
    votes

    Christopher Marlowe

    English playwright, poet, and translator of the Elizabethan era, Marlowe was the foremost Elizabethan tragedian before William Shakespeare.
    • Born: 26 February 1564
    • Died: 30 May 1593
    • Notable Works: Doctor Faustus, Tamburlaine, The Jew of Malta
  2. 3
    0
    votes

    John Fletcher

    English playwright and poet. A prolific writer, Fletcher is best known for his collaboration with Francis Beaumont and his later partnership with William Shakespeare.
    • Born: 1579
    • Died: 1625
    • Notable Works: The Woman's Prize, The Two Noble Kinsmen
  3. 4
    0
    votes

    Francis Beaumont

    English dramatist in the English Renaissance theatre, most famous for his collaborations with John Fletcher.
    • Born: 1584
    • Died: 1616
    • Notable Works: The Knight of the Burning Pestle, Philaster
  4. 5
    0
    votes

    Philip Massinger

    English dramatist. His well-known plays include The Great Duke of Florence and The Maid of Honour. Massinger's plays are noted for their realistic portrayal of characters.
    • Born: 1583
    • Died: 1640
    • Notable Works: The Great Duke of Florence, The Maid of Honour
  5. 6
    0
    votes

    Ben Jonson

    English playwright and poet, best known for his satirical plays such as Volpone, The Alchemist, and Bartholomew Fair.
    • Born: c. 11 June 1572
    • Died: 6 August 1637
    • Notable Works: Volpone, The Alchemist, Bartholomew Fair
  6. 7
    0
    votes

    John Webster

    English Jacobean dramatist best known for his tragedies The White Devil and The Duchess of Malfi, which are often regarded as masterpieces of the early 17th-century English stage.
    • Born: c. 1580
    • Died: c. 1634
    • Notable Works: The White Devil, The Duchess of Malfi
  7. 8
    0
    votes

    George Chapman

    English dramatist, translator, and poet. He was a classical scholar whose work shows the influence of Stoicism. Chapman is best remembered for his translations of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey.
    • Born: 1559
    • Died: 1634
    • Notable Works: Bussy D'Ambois, The Conspiracy of Byron
  8. 9
    0
    votes

    Thomas Kyd

    English playwright, the author of The Spanish Tragedy, and one of the most important figures in the development of Elizabethan drama.
    • Born: 1558
    • Died: 1594
    • Notable Works: The Spanish Tragedy
  9. 10
    0
    votes

    Thomas Middleton

    English playwright and poet. He was one of the most prolific and versatile writers of the Jacobean era.
    • Born: April 1580
    • Died: 1627
    • Notable Works: The Changeling, A Chaste Maid in Cheapside

Missing your favorite playwright?

Graphs
Error: Failed to render graph
Discussion
No discussion started, be the first!

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous English playwright. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Playwright is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2445 views
  • 59 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Playwright once every 24 hours. The rank of each Playwright is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Categories

Additional Information

More about the Most Famous English Playwright

William Shakespeare
Rank #1 for the most famous English playwright: William Shakespeare (Source)
The most famous English playwright was born in the 16th century. His work has left a lasting mark on literature and theater. He wrote many plays, poems, and sonnets. His influence on the English language is immense. Many phrases and words we use today came from his works.

He grew up in a small town. His father was a glove maker, and his mother came from a farming family. He likely attended a local grammar school. There, he would have learned Latin and studied classical writers. This education shaped his writing later in life.

In his late teens, he married a woman from his hometown. They had three children. Soon after, he moved to London. There, he began his career in the theater. He started as an actor but soon turned to writing. His talent quickly became clear. He wrote histories, comedies, and tragedies. Each play showed his deep understanding of human nature.

His plays were performed at a famous theater. This theater was round and open to the sky. It could hold up to 3,000 people. Audiences from all walks of life came to see his plays. They stood in the yard or sat in the galleries. His works appealed to both the rich and the poor.

He wrote about kings and queens, lovers, and fools. His characters were complex and real. They faced moral dilemmas and made difficult choices. His writing explored themes like love, power, and betrayal. His words captured the beauty and pain of the human experience.

He also wrote sonnets. These 14-line poems explore themes of love, time, and beauty. They are still studied and admired today. His ability to express deep emotions in a few lines is unmatched.

He retired in his late forties and returned to his hometown. He lived there until his death in the early 17th century. He left behind a rich legacy. His works have been translated into many languages. They are performed and studied around the world.

His influence extends beyond literature. Many films, books, and plays are based on his works. His characters and plots have inspired countless adaptations. His impact on culture is undeniable.

His writing continues to resonate with people today. His exploration of human nature is timeless. His ability to capture the complexities of life in words is unparalleled. His work remains a cornerstone of English literature.

His life and works are still the subject of much study and admiration. Scholars analyze his texts to uncover new insights. Actors bring his characters to life on stage and screen. His words continue to inspire and move audiences.

In summary, the most famous English playwright has left an indelible mark on the world. His works are a testament to his genius. They continue to be a source of inspiration and joy. His legacy endures, a shining example of the power of words.

Share this article