This book will serve to help the reader of Shakespeare's plays by providing an introduction to the various literary critical issues that this great writer regularly generates. The 'help rendered' is largely referential, reminding the reader who said what and thought what at which point within the plays. Some of the critical issues discussed include: What is the secret of the rounded Shakespearean character (for instance, Falstaff)? What is a problem play, and what kind of philosophical arguments does Shakespeare introduce in such plays? What is the value of Shakespeare's perspective for thinking effectively in our world now?