Are these the 5 greatest antiheroes in Shakespeare?

1. LADY MACBETH

(From Macbeth)

While Lady Macbeth is often considered a villain, Bell Shakespeare’s Head of Education Joanna Erskine finds her far more complex than that: “While I obviously don't condone her actions, she's quite a remarkable, and in many ways, heroic character.  Though she lives in a man’s world, her husband Macbeth considers her his equal. She doesn't let her circumstance define her. She's ambitious for him and for herself. She's intelligent and adaptable. She drives the narrative, skilfully coaxing her husband to act on his desires. On more than one occasion, Macbeth falters and makes mistakes but Lady Macbeth covers for him. Her breakdown only occurs when her relationship with Macbeth fractures, which shows the depth of her love for her husband.”

Joanna Erskine is the creator of several Bell Shakespeare plays for students, including Macbeth: The Rehearsal, currently being performed live in schools across Australia, and Macbeth: 360, a brand-new digital resource for teachers.  

Jessica Tovey as Lady Macbeth in MACBETH (2023). Photo Brett Boardman.

2. MERCUTIO

(from Romeo and Juliet)

Wherever he goes, Mercutio is always the loudest, funniest person in the room. He’s a dreamer. He’s loyal to his friends. But like all the best (or worst) party animals, Mercutio takes things too far. When Tybalt is spoiling for a fight with a reluctant Romeo, it’s Mercutio who valiantly steps in and draws his sword. He just can’t help himself. And in the ensuing melee, Mercutio is fatally stabbed (cracking jokes right to the end: Ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man.) That’s the fateful moment when the entire play lurches from romantic comedy into tragedy. Romeo retaliates—kills Tybalt—and, well, you know the rest. Ah Mercutio. What could have been. 

Bell Shakespeare’s production of Romeo & Juliet returns by popular demand in 2025. See it in Canberra (29 Aug – 7 Sept), Perth (16 – 20 Sept), Sydney (27 Nov – 3 Dec) and on stages across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania from July to December.

Blazey Best as Mercutio in ROMEO AND JULIET (2023). Photo Brett Boardman.

3. CORIOLANUS

(from Coriolanus)

Coriolanus is a quintessential antihero, according to Bell Shakespeare Artistic Director Peter Evans: “I think Coriolanus is simultaneously the hero and villain of his own play. In some respects, he’s the most heroic person in Rome because he tells it like it is and refuses to compromise on his beliefs. Unlike many people around him, he’s fearless on the battlefield and he refuses to be corrupted—even when fame, fortune and power are on offer.

“Having said that, Coriolanus is elitist and he treats the general public with utter disdain. He has no respect for the will of the people and is quite content for the masses to starve, so long as the military have all they need.”

Bell Shakespeare’s brand-new production of Coriolanus will be staged in Sydney (20 June – 19 July) and Melbourne (24 July – 10 August).

Hazem Shammas (right) as Coriolanus in CORIOLANUS (2025). Photo Brett Boardman.

4. HAMLET

(From Hamlet)

Huh? Why is Hamlet on this list? Isn’t he the ultimate hero who asks deep and meaningful questions about life, love and the universe? He’s everyone’s favourite poet/philosopher isn’t he? Well, yes—and no, says Bell Shakespeare Executive Director James Evans:

“If Hamlet had followed the Ghost’s instructions at the start of the play, he would have avenged his father’s death and quickly killed Claudius. Instead, his indecision eventually leads to the deaths of Laertes, Ophelia, Polonius, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, Gertrude, Claudius (but too late!) and Hamlet himself.

“Meanwhile, Hamlet is so distracted by his personal vendetta that he neglects his responsibilities as a potential leader of Denmark and, by the end of the play, the whole kingdom is invaded by a foreign army. Hamlet’s failings don’t stop there either—he’s also a misogynist and a snob! So yes, he is a hero on a quest for justice, but he’s also deeply, deeply flawed."

Harriet Gordon-Anderson as Hamlet in HAMLET (2021). Photo Brett Boardman.

5. RICHARD III

(From Richard III)

There’s something really messed up about Richard’s relationship with theatre audiences. At the very start of the play, he turns to us and tells us what a conniving and ruthless bastard he is. From this moment on, we are his accomplices. As he then plots a succession of terrible crimes, he continues to confide in us. And we don’t just let him get away with it—we find ourselves egging him on, all the way to the throne. He can hardly believe he’s getting away with it and neither can we. Richard’s intelligence and charm fascinate us just as much as his evil acts appal us, which means it’s impossible to look away. All of which could make Richard III the greatest antihero in English literature, not just Shakespeare.

Kate Mulvany as Richard III in RICHARD 3 (2017). Photo Prudence Upton.