Falstaff

Falstaff was a fictional character in at least one play by William Shakespeare. Queen Elizabeth I was taken with the character, who was ostensibly satrical of a minor nobleman in her court. She requested that Shakespeare feature "Falstaff in love" in a later play. (TV: The Chase)

Behind the scenes

In real-life, Falstaff was central to Henry IV, parts one and two, and The Merry Wives of Windsor. It is Wives to which The Chase likely refers, as there is an historical legend that Elizabeth I did indeed twist Shakespeare's arm to get a romantic Falstaff play.