William Shakespeare was an English playwright and poet, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language. He was born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon and wrote approximately 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and several poems during his lifetime. His works, including famous plays like Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and Macbeth, explore themes of love, power, and human nature. Shakespeare's influence on literature and the English language is profound, with many phrases and words he coined still in use today. He was a key figure in the Elizabethan era and his plays are performed worldwide, making him a central figure in the study of literature and drama.