Characters
Beatrice's uncle, Governor of Messina
Leonato
Where does the story take place?
Messina, Italy
Which character presents the theme of villainy in Much Ado About Nothing?
Don John
"I am a plain-dealing villain."
Don John (Act 1 Scene 3)
Don John's half-brother
Don Pedro, Prince of Aragon
Which two couples are tricked into believing something?
What does Beatrice's character tell the audience about women?
That they can refuse passive or submissive gender norms. Women can be witty, independent and strong-willed.
"Contempt, farewell! and maiden pride, adieu!"
Beatrice (Act 3 Scene 1)
The two characters who were in Hero's room to trick Claudio
Borachio and Margaret
What is the climax of the story?
Hero is rejected by Claudio at their wedding, as he is convinced by Don John that she has been unfaithful.
What does Claudio's story tell the audience about how to act when in love?
We must have trust and faith in our partner
"Come, I will have thee; but, by this light, I take thee for pity."
Benedick (Act 5 Scene 4)
Hero's serving lady who helps her trick Beatrice
Ursula
What is the resolution of the story?
Claudio and Hero, as well as Benedick and Beatrice, are married.
Don John is arrested.
How can we describe the kind of love that Beatrice and Benedick have? How do they interact with each other?
(A .... kind of love)
A playful, witty kind of love
"Give not this rotten orange to your friend."
Claudio (Act 4 Scene 1)
Name Don John's two followers
Borachio and Conrad
Constable in charge of the Watch. Often confuses his words.
Dogberry
How do Benedick and Claudio change?
Benedick learns to love, Claudio learns to trust again
What does the audience learn about lying? When is it good or bad?
Bad when it hurts another person, good when it helps someone realise something/ get what they want from life.
"Not honestly, my lord; but so covertly that no dishonesty shall appear in me."
Borachio (Act 2 Scene 2)
Who pretends to be Claudio and why?
Don Pedro, to woo Hero on his friend's behalf.