Shakespeare leads the Grapz, a major gang in Dark Meat City. He communicates solely through adapted quotations from William Shakespeare's works, using them to issue threats or rally his followers, establishing a persona blending culture and underworld authority. His decisive leadership includes ordering attacks on the Men in Black during their incursion into gang territory.

Agent Crocodile shoots him in the eye during a confrontation, a severe injury that galvanizes his resolve for vengeance. In the climax, he commands his gang to execute Bruce, the primary enforcer for the alien antagonists, as retribution for the assault on their neighborhood and his own wounding. Shakespeare possesses an imposing, robust physical stature fitting his authoritative role and typically wields large-caliber firearms in combat.

His narrative arc culminates with him reestablishing control over his territory following the defeat of the primary antagonists, reinforcing his enduring influence.