Here are some links that might help explain the basics of stereotypes.

Stereotypes Today- here is a link to an article which explores the stereotypes of today. This case is one out of many which involves stereotypes. Many people use stereotypes so it is important to see an example of one being used in current events. If anyone has any other example please post it on a thread.

Definitions of Stereotypes- on this link you will find basic definitions of stereotypes. The website also explores the dangers of stereotypes and why we shouldn't rely heavily upon them. Most people don't even know what stereotypes are, but they still use them in characterizing people different then them. In Shakespeare's time and today people have the stereotypes of society instilled in them in a very young age.

Shakespeare Background- this website gives information on Shakespeare's time. For example it shows what the culture was like when he wrote with the stereotypes. This link is helpful when understanding why Shakespeare used the stereotypes that he did. One example of this, is the literacy rate in Elizabethan time. Women only had a 10% literacy rate. Shakespeare defied this when he characterized Portia.