It’s actually something. Much Ado About Nothing It’s actually something.

"Friendship is constant in all other things Save in the office and affairs of love: Therefore all hearts in love use their own tongues; Let every eye negotiate for itself And trust no agent." - William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing, 2.1

The Story The setting: Near Messina, Italy Much Ado About Nothing is a comedy written by William Shakespeare about two pairs of lovers, Benedick and Beatrice, and Claudio and Hero. Benedick and Beatrice are engaged in a "merry war"; they both talk a mile a minute and proclaim their scorn for love, marriage, and each other. In contrast, Claudio and Hero are sweet young people who are rendered practically speechless by their love for one another. By means of "noting" (which sounds the same as "nothing," and which is gossip, rumour, and overhearing), Benedick and Beatrice are tricked into confessing their love for each other, and Claudio is tricked into rejecting Hero at the altar. However, Dogberry, a Constable who is a master of malapropisms, discovers the evil trickery of the villain, the bastard Don John. In the end, Don John is captured and everyone else joins in a dance celebrating the marriages of the two couples. Source: www.wikipedia.com

The Characters

Claudio A really good soldier People talk about how awesome he was in battle He’s romantic Best friend of Benedick In love with Hero A bit gullible and naïve.

Hero Daughter of Leonato Cousin to Beatrice Sweet, graceful heroine Becomes the victim of Don John’s evil plot

Beatrice Strong-willed and outspoken Hero’s cousin and Leonato’s niece Witty and engages in a war of words with Benedick Falls in love with Benedick

Benedick Very outspoken An avowed bachelor and Beatrice’s sparring partner. Falls in love with Beatrice Vows to fight Claudio for the wrong he does to Hero

Don Pedro Prince of Aragon. Returns to Messina after conquering a rebellion staged by his brother, Don John. He woos Hero for Claudio He is a key player in getting Benedick and Beatrice together.

Leonato Govenor of Messina Father of Hero Uncle of Beatrice Easily swayed by appearances (like Claudio)

Don John Don Pedro’s illegitimate brother Started a mutiny against his brother Represents pure evil Conceives the evil plot in which Hero is a victim Bitter and angry at the world.

Dogberry, Verges, and the Watch Dogberry is the hapless constable. All his companions are dim-witted and wordy. He investigates the plot against Hero. Sometimes hinders the investigation. The watch overhear Borachio and Conrade talking about the plot.

Other characters Borachio: close friend of Don John, who is paid to deceive Claudio and defame Hero. Conrade: one of two close companions assisting Don John in his scheme. Margaret: Hero’s maid-in-waiting. She is an unwitting accomplice in the scheme against Hero. Balthasar: a singer attending Don Pedro. Ursula: another of Hero’s maids-in-waiting.