Christopher Marlowe was an English playwright, poet, and translator of the Elizabethan era. Marlowe was the foremost Elizabethan tragedian of his day. He greatly influenced William Shakespeare, who was born in the same year as Marlowe and rose to become the pre-eminent Elizabethan playwright after Marlowe's untimely death. Marlowe's plays are known for their blank verse, overreaching protagonists, and exploration of dark themes. His most famous works include "Tamburlaine the Great", "Doctor Faustus", "The Jew of Malta", and "Edward II". He was killed in a mysterious brawl at the age of 29.