Angelo (Measure for Measure)

Vincentio begins the play by departing the city under mysterious circumstances and leaving the strait-laced Angelo in power.

Before the scheme is revealed to him, he admits his angst over his behaviour: "This deed unshapes me quite, makes me unpregnant And dull to all proceedings.

He should have lived, Save that riotous youth, with dangerous sense, Might in the times to come have ta'en revenge, By so receiving a dishonour'd life With ransom of such shame.

The most famous performance of the role was by John Gielgud in Peter Brook's legendary 1950 production at the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre.

[3] Other actors who have distinguished themselves in the role of Angelo include Charles Laughton, Ian Richardson, Brian Bedford, and John Cazale.