Dive into the world of Shakespearean characters with this insightful exploration by 19th-century critic William Hazlitt. He artfully examines how Shakespeare crafts characters that resonate with life, often eclipsing the complexities of human nature in both their internal and external realms. Hazlitt eloquently asserts that these characters breathe, move, and live, behaving as if completely autonomous. Initially a bestseller, the books popularity waned after a harsh critique in The Quarterly Review, which tarnished Hazlitts reputation for years. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that his work was rediscovered, earning him a place among Shakespeares most esteemed critics, second only to Dr. Johnson, as noted by Harold Bloom. Join us in uncovering the brilliance of Shakespeare through Hazlitts lens. - Summary by Nemo