Much Ado About Nothing

Much Ado About Nothing is a comedy by William Shakespeare thought to have been written in 1598 and 1599. The play was included in the First Folio, published in 1623. The play is set in Messina and revolves around two romantic pairings that emerge when a group of soldiers arrives in the town. The first, between Claudio and Hero, is nearly scuppered by the accusations of the villain, Don John. The second, between Claudio's friend Benedick and Hero's cousin Beatrice, takes centre stage as the play continues, with both characters' wit and banter providing much of the humour. Through "noting" (sounding like "nothing" and meaning gossip, rumour, overhearing), Benedick and Beatrice are tricked into confessing their love for each other, and Claudio is tricked into believing that Hero is not a maiden (virgin). The title's play on words references the secrets and trickery that form the backbone of the play's comedy, intrigue, and action. Characters Benedick, a lord and soldier from Padua; companion of Don Pedro Beatrice, niece of Leonato Don Pedro, Prince of Aragon Don John, "the Bastard Prince", brother of Don Pedro Claudio, of Florence; a count, companion of Don Pedro, friend to Benedick Leonato, governor of Messina; Hero's father Antonio, brother of Leonato Balthasar, attendant on Don Pedro, a singer Borachio, follower of Don John Conrade, follower of Don John Innogen, a 'ghost character' in early editions as Leonato's wife Hero, daughter of Leonato Margaret, waiting-gentlewoman attendant on Hero Ursula, waiting-gentlewoman attendant on Hero Dogberry, the constable in charge of Messina's night watch Verges, the Headborough, Dogberry's partner Friar Francis, a priest a Sexton, the judge of the trial of Borachio a Boy, serving Benedick The Watch, watchmen of Messina Attendants and Messengers