William Shamspeare, despite his flamboyant attire, is a destitute criminal. After a stint in prison, he plots to obtain hidden "loot" left in the wake of his cellmates death. His schemes lead to the accidental death of Duncan Ross. Shamspeare has an extreme devotion to the arts and Shakespeare in particular, with a particular love for Romeo. Despite his madness, he shows remorse and care for others like Selden, his old cellmate that died of illness.