Shakespearian character could be fired (6)

I believe the answer is:

pistol

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'shakespearian character' is the definition.
'pistol' can be an answer for 'character' (I have seen 'Shakespearean character' mean 'pistol' so perhaps 'character' could also mean 'pistol'). I am unsure of the 'shakespearian' bit.

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pistol that I've seen before include "pop" , "Type of gun" , "Arm" , "Small firearm" , "Hand weapon" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.

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