The Shakespeare Book

156

N

ews comes to Leonato,

Governor of Messina, that

the victorious Don Pedro of

Aragon will shortly return from war

and that Claudio, a young member

of his company, has distinguished

himself in battle. Beatrice’s playful

inquiry after another officer,

Benedick, sets the theme of their

love-hate relationship. The couple’s

witty banter cuts through the

welcoming formalities and sharply

contrasts with Claudio’s nascent

adoration of Hero, Leonato’s only

heir. Claudio confesses this

infatuation to Don Pedro and

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

Benedick, as if seeking reassurance.

But while Benedick, the avowed

bachelor, ridicules idealized love,

Don Pedro offers to win Hero’s

hand for Claudio at that evening’s

masked ball. With their identities

disguised, the maskers indulge

in innuendo, sexual banter,

retribution, and deceit. And Don

John, seizing the chance to play

mischievously on Claudio’s

insecurities, insinuates that Don

Pedro is wooing Hero for himself.

The lie is exposed, the match is

made and, delighted, Leonato gives

his blessing. All that remains is for

DRAMATIS

PERSONAE

Leonato Governor of Messina

and father of Hero.

Hero Leonato’s daughter and

only heir.

Don Pedro Prince of Aragon,

returned from war, possibly

against Don John.

Don John Illegitimate brother

of Don Pedro to whom he’s

grudgingly reconciled.

Claudio A young count who

has distinguished himself in

military action.

Benedick A lord of Padua

also serving under Don Pedro;

a professed bachelor.

Beatrice Niece of Leonato

and cousin to Hero.

Borachio A follower of

Don John who invents a

plot to thwart Claudio’s

marriage to Hero.

Margaret A gentlewoman

attending on Hero who

plays a dubious role in

Borachio’s plot.

Ursula A gentlewoman

attending on Hero, who helps

to trick Beatrice into admitting

her love for Benedick.

Friar Francis He arranges

for Hero to fake her death.

Antonio Leonato’s brother.

Conrad A follower of Don

John, he is arrested with

Borachio and forced to confess.

Dogberry Master Constable

of the Watch, he tries to

imitate his betters.

Act 1 Act 2

1.3

2.1

1.1

1.1

2.3

The villainous Don John

plots to disrupt the

festive mood.

Leonato learns that

Don Pedro and his men

are to arrive shortly

in Messina after a

victorious war.

Benedick and Beatrice

renew their war of words

and Don Pedro agrees to

woo Hero for Claudio.

Don Pedro leads the

men in convincing

Benedick that Beatrice

secretly loves him.

At the masked ball, Don

John tells Claudio that

Don Pedro woos Hero for

himself. The lie is

exposed, the

marriage agreed,

and the date set.