William Petency

William Shamspeare is a fancily-dressed man who, despite his appearance, is actually unemployed and very poor.


Following the conclusion of the trial regarding the stabbing on Briar Road, Shamspeare had another literary debate with Natsume. The two then had a jujitsu battle with Shamspeare dressed as Romeo and Natsume dressed as Juliet, which Natsume won. After Natsume returned to his flat, Shamspeare attempted to once again blow into the gas pipe to oust Natsume, using the tea Natsume had given him to produce his counterfeit coins for his gas meter. However, he soon fell victim to the strychnine Green had applied to the pipe's mouth four days earlier, falling into a coma.

He was later found in his comatose state when Natsume broke his door open, and though initially believed to be dead, after it was learned that he survived his poisoning, he was taken to St. Bartholomew Hospital for further treatment. Thinking Natsume responsible for his poisoning by way of his tea, while also plotting to get the treasure in his room, Shamspeare accused Natsume of attempted murder. However, Naruhodo soon exposed his fraudulent activities on the first day, and later exposed his culpability in Ross's death during the second day. After Shamspeare was forced to confess to everything he had done, Green reminded him that he still deserved punishment for his crimes, and he was soon arrested.