Which alternative writers have been proposed in the Shakespeare authorship debate?

The Shakespeare authorship debate, which challenges the traditional attribution of the plays to William Shakespeare, has led to the proposal of several alternative candidates. While mainstream scholarship maintains that Shakespeare was indeed the author, anti-Stratfordian theories suggest he may have served as a front for other writers.123

Prominent candidates proposed in these debates include:

• Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford: Often considered the most popular alternative candidate in the 20th century, proponents argue his life parallels characters like Hamlet and that his poetry mirrors Shakespeare’s early work.423
• Francis Bacon: An early candidate proposed in the 19th century, supporters argue his intellectual capacity and education were better suited to the depth of the plays.23
• Christopher Marlowe: Some theories suggest Marlowe faked his death in 1593 and continued writing under Shakespeare's name.23
• William Stanley, 6th Earl of Derby: Proposed due to his status as a patron of the theater and alleged allusions to his own literary career.123

Additionally, some critics have theorized that the author was a woman, specifically Mary Herbert or the poet Emilia Lanier.12