Character Descriptions – Much Ado About Nothing
Men
Leonato: A wealthy, elderly, governor of Messina. He is hopelessly devoted to his only daughter, Hero. He can be driven to fury and will fight for what he is devoted to, but generally enjoys the “ado.” A morally strong and determined father. He says several long monologues.
Don Pedro: A prince and military hero having just defeated his brother, Don John, in an insignificant battle. Almost regal, full of honor and charm. He is unflappable and full of the mirth that comes from victory. No long monologues, but plenty of scenes.
Claudio: Don Pedro’s lieutenant, a handsome, virile young whippersnapper with a passionate heart, a jealous constitution and a theatrical streak. Immature, capable of falling love or hating at a moment’s notice. Several long monologues plus a furious rage scene.
Benedick: The jokester, also one of Don Pedro’s commanders. He is forever making a joke, or behaving sarcastically, or both. Wary of women (especially Beatrice). He is quite bright, and loves to use language as both a weapon and a canvas, with his tongue the brush. Can be influenced by strong personalities and blinded by his own vanity. Several long monologues.
Don John: He just lost an attempt to defeat his brother in the family hierarchy. He is a bastard and is growly because of being a social outcast if nothing else. Looks harmless, but he is obsessed with revenge on his brother and the whole of Messina, and he likes being the bad guy. Not the brightest fellow, but unscrupulous and mean-hearted. Never happy.
Borachio: Don John’s henchman; also mad at Don Pedro. It is his idea to discredit Hero. Ends up being a wuss. Has one long speech.
Conrade: Another of Don John’s henchmen, another bad guy.
Dogberry: The ridiculous and malaprop-ridden constable of Messina. Thinks he is the brilliant and brave and masterful, but struggles mightily with thinking and speaking. The major comic player in the play, due to his misuse and miscomprehension of words.
Seacoal: Leader of the watch. He catches Borachio and Conrado.
Friar: A priest working with Leonato. Several long speeches at the weddings.
Female:
Antonia: Leonato’s older sister. Also good-hearted, but fiesty. She picks a fight with Don Pedro and Claudio. Several scenes and speeches.
Balthasar: A singer working for Don Pedro. She helps with the plot to foil Benedick and sings a lovely song.
Hero: Leonato’s daughter. Beautiful and innocent, she falls in love with Claudio and then is accused of betraying him. Many things are thought of her, but she does not do much. Does tease Beatrice and has some lovey-dovey speeches. Has to collapes and swoon.
Beatrice: Leonato’s niece and Hero’s friend. A strong-willed, passionate, highly articulate, and intelligent woman. She is determined to maintain her independence and shows a prickly wit to prove herself. She is “born to speak mirth.” Does have an emotional meltdown with Benedick, and is captured by the end of the play. Several long speeches and scenes.
Margaret: Officially, Hero’s attendant. Really her confidant and gossip partner. Flirty and talkative, a happy person who is caught in the plot to discredit Hero. Can be racy at times.
Ursula: Hero’s other attendant, also a gossiper. Helps fool Beatrice. Cute.
Verges: Dogberry’s assistant. Smarter than him, but not by much. Awed by power.