This is explicitly stated in the books. William is even nicknamed "Will" for his namesake, and his last name, Herondale, sounds like "Hernando," which is a Spanish version of "Fernando," a name that Shakespeare was known to have been using as an alias.
Beyond the name and the nickname, William shares many personality traits with Shakespeare, including:
* A penchant for the dramatic: William is often described as flamboyant and theatrical, mirroring Shakespeare's own dramatic writing style.
* A love for words: Both William and Shakespeare are masters of language, using it to both charm and manipulate others.
* A rebellious spirit: William chafes against societal expectations and authority figures, echoing Shakespeare's own challenges with the establishment in his time.
* A deep love for his family and friends: Both are fiercely loyal to those they love, even when it means defying the odds.
While William is not a literal reincarnation of Shakespeare, he serves as a clear tribute to the renowned playwright, incorporating his personality, wit, and spirit into the character.