The Bard at Hogwarts: William Shakespeare’s Wizarding Profile

by · April 23, 2024

Name: William Shakespeare

House: Ravenclaw

Wand: 12 inches, slightly longer to suit Shakespeare’s style for dramatic storytelling, ebony wood for self-confident wizards, with a phoenix feather core for transformative and resilient wizards. 

Patronus: A swan, which is mythically connected to inspiration and creativity and strongly associated with arts in the Renaissance. 

Background: Born to a wizarding family with a long lineage of magical practitioners, William Shakespeare grew up surrounded by the wonders of magic. On the banks of the Avon River, he showed exceptional talent from a young age and was accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. 

Personality: Shakespeare was a curious and imaginative wizard, always seeking to expand his knowledge and explore the mysteries of magic. He had a quick wit and sharp tongue, often using his cleverness to outsmart opponents in magical duels. Despite his sometimes aloof demeanor, he was fiercely loyal to his friends and valued the power of words to inspire and enchant. 

Extracurriculars: 

  • Drama Club: William’s productions at Hogwarts were, well, magical. His passion for storytelling combined with his magical talents created stage performances that have gone down in history. 
  • Wizarding History Society: Much of Shakespeare’s inspiration for future plays was pulled directly from his time at Hogwarts, specifically the WHS. Learning of famous historical Seers, such as Cassandra and Nostradamus, led to the iconic trio of witches and the infamous prophecies in Macbeth.
  • Gobstones Club: Though not a widely popular club at Hogwarts, Shakespeare cherished the camaraderie and competition among club members. The game gave him an opportunity to show off his clever tactics and unexpected moves, yet another way to express his creativity.

Specialties:

  • Divination: Though impossible to say whether or not he possessed the sight himself, Shakespeare’s love of prophecies appears threaded throughout his later works. Most famously, the witches in Macbeth, but omens and prophecies appear in Hamlet, Julius Caesar, Romeo and Juliet, and even The Merchant of Venice.
  • Transfiguration: He possessed a natural talent for Transfiguration, often delighting in transforming ordinary objects into extraordinary creations. Fans of his works can see him artistically transform ordinary objects into symbols.
  • Charms: Shakespeare was particularly adept at casting charms, effortlessly weaving spells to manipulate objects and enchant his surroundings. 

Quirks: Shakespeare had a tendency to speak in poetic verse, even in casual conversation, and rarely strayed from iambic pentameter. He was known for his dramatic flair when casting spells or recounting tales of magical adventures. He could often be found lost in thought, scribbling ideas for new spells or wizarding tales in his enchanted notebook.