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

2. "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

3. 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:

4. The Characters

5. 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.

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

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

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.