Is This Character From the Bible or a Shakespeare Play?

By: Elizabeth Lavis
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Is This Character From the Bible or a Shakespeare Play?
Image: Wiki Commons by Edwin Henry Landseer

About This Quiz

Both the Bible and Shakespeare's prolific collection of dramas and comedies contain plenty of characters who are totally memorable and one of a kind. From cruel, genocidal kings to helpful heavenly forces that intervene at exactly the right moment, both the Bible and Shakespeare's plays are full of storylines that keep us entertained and engaged.

If you're a big fan of The Bard, or you've read your New and Old Testament from cover to cover, we have a challenge for you. We've collected some of the most influential and erratic characters from both Biblical and Shakespearean stories, and it's up to you to tell us where they've come from.

Sure, you remember Jesus from the New Testament, but do you recall the names of his most loyal and trusted advisors? Similarly, we have no doubt that you know the name of lovestruck teen queen Juliet, but who can remember the rest of the bloodthirsty Capulet clan? Both the Bible and Shakespeare's catalog of work are populated with otherworldly beings, so can you determine which helper from beyond belongs in what story? If you're a scholar and a poet, it's time to show off your skills with this challenging character quiz. Let's get started!

Cain slaying Abel
Wiki Commons by Peter Paul Rubens
Despite his best efforts, Cain was never as good as his brother, so he killed him. Was this the work of Shakespeare or a Bible story?
The Bible
Shakespeare
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cain tried and tried, but he never was as good as his brother Abel. God favored Abel, enraging the jealous Cain so he killed his brother and became the first murderer in the Bible.

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Queen Jezabel Being Punished by Jehu
Wiki Commons by Andrea Celesti
There are no shortage of evil characters in both the Bible and Shakespeare, but only one was thrown from a window and eaten by dogs. Who was she?
Jezebel from the Bible
Ophelia from Shakespeare's "Hamlet"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jezebel is one of the big bad female characters in the Bible. After orchestrating scores of massacres against God's chosen people, she was tossed out of a window and eaten by stray dogs.

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Puck and Fairies from A Midsummer Nights Dream
Wiki Commons by Joseph Noel Paton
A clever being makes mischief on a midsummer night. Is Puck from the Bible or a Shakespeare play?
The Bible
Shakespeare
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Puck is one of the pivotal characters in Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." He's usually presented as a sprite or fairy, and gets his kicks by intervening in the lives of the other characters.

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Lady Macbeth
Wiki Commons by Gabriel von Max
She had nightmares where the blood simply wouldn't wash off her hands. Was Lady Macbeth a Biblical queen or a creation of William Shakespeare?
The Bible
Shakespeare
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lady Macbeth is one of the most important characters in the Shakespearean tragedy, "Macbeth." One of the most famous scenes of the play shows her trying in vain to wash blood from her hands.

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Portia from The Merchant of Venice
Wiki Commons by John Everett Millais
In the far-away city of Venice, this beautiful and quick-witted protagonist had her pick of suitors. Who are we talking about?
Esther from the Bible
Portia from "The Merchant of Venice"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Merchant of Venice" is not one of Shakespeare's more well-known plays, but it is certainly a gem. Portia plays the protagonist; a beautiful and quick-witted character who finds a suitor.

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St. John the Baptist Preaching
Wiki Commons by Mattia Preti
This wise prophet lived in the desert and factored heavily into the later part of the story. Who was he?
John the Baptist from the Bible
Othello from "Othello"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

John the Baptist was a prophet and friend of Jesus in the New Testament. He was known for being a devout follower of Christianity, as well as a wise sage who spent plenty of time isolated in a desert.

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The Coat of Many Colours
Wiki Commons by Ford Madox Brown
Joseph's fabulous coat of many colors earned him the jealousy of his brothers, but he got the last laugh. Was this Shakespeare or the Bible?
The Bible
Shakespeare
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Joseph's story has been duplicated several times in pop culture, including the hit musical "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." His prophetic dreams made him valuable to the Pharaoh and saved his life.

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Desdemona and Othello
Wiki Commons by Antonio Muñoz Degrain
Which expert manipulator persuaded the Moor of Venice that his wife was cheating on him?
Mark from the Bible
Iago from "Othello"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Iago is one of the most detailed and well-written villains in Shakespeare. He uses his manipulative skills to convince Othello, the Moor of Venice, that Desdemona was stepping out.

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Brutus and his companions after the battle of Philippi
Wiki Commons by Weston, W H; Plutarch; Rainey, W
Brutus is pulled in two directions: loyalty to his friend versus loyalty to his country. He chooses country. Is his tale from the Bible or a Shakespeare play?
The Bible
Shakespeare
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One of the most famous lines in Shakespeare's "Julius Ceasar" is when Caesar utters the words "Et tu Brute?" meaning, "Even you, Brutus?" Brutus is a conflicted and complicated character.

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The Calling of the Apostles Peter and Andrew
Wiki Commons by Duccio di Buoninsegna
This skeptical fisherman quickly saw the light and became an apostle. Who was he?
Peter from the Bible
Tybalt from "Romeo and Juliet"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Peter the fisherman quickly became one of the most pivotal characters in the New Testament of the Bible. He has the distinction of being one of only 12 apostles and a close friend of Jesus.

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Esau selling his birthright to Jacob
Wiki Commons by Circle of Matthias Stom
Esau was tricked into giving up his birthright and inheritance for a bowl of soup. Was he a character from Shakespeare or the Bible's New Testament?
The Bible
Shakespeare
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Esau was the simple elder son of Issac, who preferred spending time in the woods to mulling over his inheritance, so it should come as no surprise that he gave it all up for a bowl of soup.

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Hamlet tries to show his mother Gertrude his father's ghost
Wiki Commons by Nicolai Abildgaard
This brooding King of Denmark simply couldn't get over the death of his father and suspected foul play. He was right. Who was he?
David from the Bible
Hamlet from "Hamlet"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hamlet was the first character to suspect that something was rotten in the state of Denmark. Hamlet's father was murdered by his uncle, and he was the youthful king who unraveled the plot.

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Jesus at Herod's Court
Wiki Commons by Duccio di Buoninsegna
Cruel King Herod ruled Judea and mandated that all baby boys be executed so his throne wouldn't be threatened. Was this villain Biblical or of Shakespearean lore?
The Bible
Shakespeare
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

King Herod was one of the early villains of the New Testament of the Bible. When he heard about the birth of Jesus, Herod decreed that all baby boys in Judea be killed so that he could keep his throne.

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Miriam watching over her infant brother Moses
Wiki Commons by Paul Delaroche
The prophetess Miriam saves an infant from the Nile River and changes the course of history. Did this happen in Shakespeare or the Bible?
The Bible
Shakespeare
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Miriam was one of the most important characters in the biblical book of Exodus. Known as "Miriam the Prophetess," she was responsible for making sure that Moses was rescued from the Nile River.

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Judas being paid the 30 pieces of silver
Wiki Commons by Berrucomons
Did the original frenemy Judas sell out his best friend for 30 pieces of silver in the Bible or Shakespeare?
The Bible
Shakespeare
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Judas' betrayal of Jesus for 30 pieces of silver is so well-known that his mere name is slang for someone who will stab you in the back. An original apostle, Judas gave in to his greed.

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Orsino and Viola
Wiki Commons by Frederick Richard Pickersgill
This shipwrecked orphan went undercover as a boy to escape detection. Who was this clever character?
Ruth from the Bible
Viola from "Twelfth Night"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Viola is one of Shakespeare's most resourceful and well-developed characters. In "Twelfth Night," she finds herself shipwrecked and decides to disguise herself as a boy to roam the city.

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Christ in front of Pilate
Wiki Commons by Mihály Munkácsy
Pontius Pilate meted out his famous punishment: death by crucifixion. Did this happen in Shakespeare or the Bible?
The Bible
Shakespeare
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pontius Pilate was the governor of Judaea during Biblical times, and he was responsible for sentencing Jesus Christ to crucifixion. His sentencing set the popular Easter story in motion.

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David vs. Goliath
Wiki Commons by Gebhard Fugel
He triumphed against the giant Goliath with only a slingshot and a rock. Who was this hero?
David from the Bible
Mercutio from "Romeo and Juliet"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The David and Goliath story is one of the Bible's best examples of the little guy triumphing over a giant bully. Armed with only a slingshot and a rock, David bests Goliah and goes on to rule.

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Cordelia's Farewell
Wiki Commons by Edwin Austin Abbey
King Lear's daughters all curry his favor to try to get his land. Did this familial manipulation happen in Shakespeare or the Bible?
The Bible
Shakespeare
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

King Lear's daughters are all greedy for his land and power in this Shakespearean tragedy that showcases all-too-familiar family dynamics. It's an often-overlooked but brilliant work.

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Malvolio and the Countess
Wiki Commons by Robert Staines
Malvolio is a pompus antagonist and bit of comedic relief in a cautionary tale from the Bible or a Shakespearean comedy. Which one is it?
The Bible
Shakespeare
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Malvolio is one of the minor characters in "Twelfth Night," but anyone who has seen the play is sure to find him memorable. Arrogant, pompous and totally in love with himself, he is such comic relief!

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The Assassination of Julius Ceasar
Wiki Commons by Vincenzo Camuccini
This king might not have been perfect, but did he actually deserve to be murdered by his former allies?
King Saul of the Bible
Julius Caesar of "Julius Caesar"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Shakespeare went straight to the pages of real Roman history for his popular tragedy "Julius Caesar." This play chronicles the real-life events that led up to the death of Julius Caesar at the hands of his trusted advisors and friends.

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Crossing of the Red Sea
Wiki Commons by Cosimo Rosselli
Inspired by a burning bush, he led his people out of slavery and to the chosen land. Who was this epic leader?
Moses from the Bible
Casca from "Julius Caesar"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Moses is one of the most famous characters from the Old Testament of the Bible. He famously led his people out of Egyptian slavery and to the promised land, dividing the Red Sea in the process.

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Othello and Desdemona
Wiki Commons by Daniel Maclise
Desdemona got caught in the middle of vicious rumors about her fidelity. Is her tale of woe penned by Shakespeare or from the Bible?
The Bible
Shakespeare
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Desdemona is one of the principal characters in "Othello" and the subject of Iago's vicious rumors about her fidelity. She was married to the principal character of the play: Othello himself.

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Amazon queen Hippolyta
Wiki Commons by Cobija
Was it Shakespearean lore or a Bible story where Amazon queen Hippolyta was supposed to be married on a balmy summer night?
The Bible
Shakespeare
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hippolyta is a minor character in "A Midsummer Night's Dream," but she remains a true William Shakespeare fan favorite. Her wedding sets the stage for all of the events of the play.

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Samson and Delilah
Wiki Commons by José Echenagusia Errazquin
She was tasked with seeking out the source of Samson's strength, which happened to be his hair! What femme fatale are we talking about?
Delilah from the Bible
Helena from "A Midsummer Night's Dream"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Delilah was an Old Testament femme fatale who was tasked with finding out the source of Samson's strength. Since he was smitten with her, he told and she used it against him. Oh, love!

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The Weird Sisters
Wiki Commons by Henry Fuseli
Both the Bible and Shakespearean lore are full of prophets, but only one includes a story about the "weird sisters." Which was it?
The Bible
Shakespeare
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In "Macbeth," the three witches, or "weird sisters," predict the rise of Macbeth and act as harbingers for many of the events that happen in the play. They are based on the three fates of mythology.

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Daniel in the Lions' Den
Wiki Commons by Peter Paul Rubens
He was thrown into the lion's den and survived, thanks to powerful intervention. Who was this lucky man?
Daniel from the Bible
MacDuff from "Macbeth"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In the story, Daniel was thrown into the lion's den with the expectation that he would be consumed by the giant predators, but he emerged unscathed because the angels had shut the mouths of the lions.

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Rosalind, As You Like It
Wiki Commons by Henry Nelson
Rosalind must deal with the banishment of her father and the disruption of the kingdom. Are we talking about Shakespeare or the Bible?
The Bible
Shakespeare
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Rosalind is the primary female protagonist of the Shakespearean play "As You Like It." This popular festival play is actually a comedic masterpiece and Rosalind is a developed and intriguing character.

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Marc Antony's Oration at Caesar's Funeral
Wiki Commons by George Edward Robertson b. 1864
This former friend of Caesar had to choose between his country and his loyalty. Who was he?
King David from the Bible
Mark Antony from Shakespeare
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Mark Antony is one of William Shakespeare's most complicated characters. Although he prided himself on being a great friend to Julius Caesar, he really only was looking out for himself.

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Esther talking to Mordecai
Wiki Commons by Aert de Gelder
Esther's quick thinking saved her city. Was this story a creation of William Shakespeare or the Bible?
The Bible
Shakespeare
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Queen Esther was one of the most important rulers of the Old Testament, and she was responsible for foiling a plan to kill all of the Jewish people in her city, thus saving their lives.

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Romeo and Juliet
Wiki Commons by Frank Dicksee
Which star-struck teenage lover's story ended in tragedy?
Abraham from the Bible
Romeo from "Romeo and Juliet"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The story of Romeo and Juliet has been billed as a love story for the ages, but realistically it chronicles the rash behavior of two teenagers from warring families. Still, it's one of Shakespeare's best works.

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Claudius and Gertrude
Wiki Commons by unknown author
Claudius wanted to ascend the throne, so he murdered his own brother. Is this tragic story from the Bible or Shakespeare?
The Bible
Shakespeare
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Claudius is the main antagonist of Shakespeare's "Hamlet." His desire to ascend the throne and wed Gertrude led him to poison his own brother, only to be found out by Prince Hamlet.

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Mary Magdalena
Wiki Commons by Guido Reni
Mary Magdalene was a primary adviser and contemporary of the apostles. Was she famous in the Bible or a Shakespearean play?
The Bible
Shakespeare
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Mary Magdalene is one of the most important characters in the Bible's New Testament. She was a contemporary of the apostles, an adviser to Jesus and was present for the resurrection.

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Juliet
Wiki Commons by George Dawe
This meddlesome cousin disproved of Juliet's love interest. Who was he?
Noah from the Bible
Tybalt from "Romeo and Juliet"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In "Romeo and Juliet," Tybalt is not fond of the teenage union and viciously defends the honor of his house, the Capulets, against what he perceives to be an insult against his family.

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The Sacrifice of Isaac
Wiki Commons by Domenichino
Isaac was saved in the nick of time from being murdered by his father. Was this lucky son a character in the Bible or a Shakespearean play?
The Bible
Shakespeare
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Isaac was the son of Sarah and Abraham in the Bible. Old Testament God demanded that Abraham show his loyalty by murdering the child on the rock, which Abraham was prepared to do until God called it off.

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Wiki Commons by Edwin Henry Landseer