Little is known about John Webster's early life, as is common for playwrights of his era. He was likely born in London around 1580, during the later years of Elizabeth I’s reign, and is theorized to have been the son of a coach-maker. He may have received his education at the prestigious Merchant Taylors' School, a grammar school that provided a classical education, and he later studied at the Inns of Court, which suggests that he had a background in law. However, Webster did not pursue a legal career, gravitating instead toward the theater.

Webster came of age in the heart of London’s vibrant theater scene, which was dominated by figures like William Shakespeare. He collaborated with other writers in his early career and contributed to plays such as Westward Ho (1604), Northward Ho (1605), and possibly The Witch of Edmonton (1621), which were co-written with Thomas Dekker. These works, which were far lighter in tone than the grim tragedies that Webster created alone, such as The Duchess of Malfi (1613), reflected the popular trend of city comedies and depicted the bustling life of London’s merchant class.