Definitely going on my list of Favorite Shakespeare plays! The characters are amazingly well-rounded, their motives believable, and their dialogue superb. The plot is thrilling and plausible, the setting of imprisoned noblemen and corrupt government is perfectly painted.

The constable, Elbow, reminds me of the constable in "Much Ado about Nothing", always saying the wrong word and not making any sense! haha! Cracks me up every time.
Angelo's character is especially well-written. He truly believes in his self-righteousness, which makes him even creepier as a villain.
I especially love the dialogue between the the Duke and Lucio. haha! I was really chuckling through their scenes.
The Duke has a strong character, and somehow I keep thinking of him like a lion in disguise. Like King Richard the Lionheart at the end of Robin Hood, swooping in to save the day. Wonderful character, and I love seeing him pulling the strings behind the scenes of the story, and just delighting in manipulating everyone to fulfill his plot.
Isabella is amazing! Possibly the best female character in all of Shakespeare, right alongside Beatrice and Juliet. She's kind but strong, merciful and virtuous, attractive and winning, intelligent and brave. She is the glue that holds the entire play together.