What Type of Plays Did Shakespeare Write? 3 Iconic Genres

Tragedies

Shakespeare's tragedies probe deep into themes of fate, ambition, and the agony of broken hearts. Plays like 'Hamlet,' 'Othello,' and 'Macbeth' reveal the dire consequences of flawed decisions and lost love

Comedies

The comedies of Shakespeare are filled with wit, misunderstandings, and romantic pursuits. They often conclude with harmony and marriage, as seen in 'Much Ado About Nothing,' 'The Comedy of Errors,' and 'Twelfth Night

Histories

Through his histories, Shakespeare examines the lives of English kings and the political intrigue of the past. These plays, including 'Henry V' and 'Richard III,' offer insights into leadership and national identity

Photo of the Globe Theatre, London. Taken from the street. It is an overcast day in February but quite warm. There are red flags flying outside the front of the theatre. The theatre has whitewashed walls with exposed wooden beams and a thatched roof. The type of plays shown here includes Tragedies, Histories and Comedies.

Type of Plays: Exploring Histories, Tragedies, and Comedies

William Shakespeare’s plays broadly fall into three categories: Histories, Comedies, and Tragedies. This categorization catered to the diverse tastes of Elizabethan audiences, reflecting their desire for national pride (Histories), lighthearted escape (Comedies), and exploration of the human condition (Tragedies). 

But did you know? The iconic Globe Theatre, where many of Shakespeare’s plays premiered, used a clever system of coloured flags to advertise the day’s performance:

  • Red: History plays
  • White: Comedies
  • Black: Tragedies

This colour-coding system was a genius marketing tactic, guiding audiences and offering a glimpse into the innovative ways Elizabethan theatre engaged with the public. Explore Shakespeare’s diverse works and discover the richness of Histories, Comedies, and Tragedies here with Shakespeare Go! 

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