Poll: Who is Shakespeare's best character?

Are you a romancing Romeo or scheming Iago?

Many happy returns to Mr Will Shakespeare on this, his 450th birthday, and also his err, 398th deathday…best draw a veil over that. To celebrate, vote for your favourite of the bard’s best characters, as chosen by us.

Romeo, Romeo and Juliet

“O that I were a glove upon that hand, that I might touch that cheek!”

The original bad-boy heartthrob, who romanced his way into an early suicide pact.

Iago, Othello

“But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve. For daws to peck at. I am not what I am”

Because doesn’t everyone secretly love a baddie?

Viola, Twelfth Night

“Conceal me what I am, and be my aid/For such disguise as happily shall become/The form of my intent. I'll serve this duke"

The cross-dressing shipwreck survivor is the original feminist- clever, witty and resourceful. Swoon.

Lady Macbeth, Macbeth

"Unsex me here, /And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full /Of direst cruelty"

A wife who wears the murderous trousers, with more desire for the throne than Kate Middleton

The Bear, A Winter’s Tale

“Exit, pursued by Bear”

The subject of probably the best stage direction ever written 

@LucyH_J