Friedrich Schiller (1759-1805) was a German playwright and historian, widely regarded as the national dramatist of Germany and second only to Goethe in importance.

Towards the end of his life, he struck up a tempestuous yet productive friendship with Goethe, and together they founded the Weimar Theatre, which went on to become the leading theatre in Germany.

Practically and artistically, their collaboration lead to a renaissance of German drama. His best-known plays include The Robbers, William Tell, The Wallenstein Trilogy and Mary Stuart.