An exacting role in Shakespeare (7)

I believe the answer is:

shylock

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'an exacting role' is the definition.
'shylock' can be an answer for 'role' (I have seen 'Shakespearian role' mean 'shylock' so perhaps 'role' could also mean 'shylock'). I am not certain of the 'an exacting' bit.

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for shylock that I've seen before include "Famous loner reportedly" , "Heartless creditor" , "Moneylender in "The Merchant of Venice"" , "stage role" , "27's usurer" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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