Much Ado About Nothing

• Messina. Don Pedro's army returns from war. Benedick and Beatrice — both witty, both single, both allergic to romance — immediately start trading insults • Claudio (young, conventional) falls for Hero (sweet, quiet). Don Pedro woos her on Claudio's behalf. Wedding planned • The REAL plot: Don Pedro and company trick Benedick into thinking Beatrice loves him, and trick Beatrice into thinking Benedick loves her • The overhearing scenes: Benedick hides in a garden while his friends "accidentally" discuss Beatrice's secret passion. He's hooked instantly. Same trick works on Beatrice • Don John (the villain, Don Pedro's bastard brother) plots to ruin the wedding. He stages a scene making Hero look unfaithful • The wedding: Claudio publicly shames Hero at the altar. She faints. Her own father believes the accusation. Only Beatrice and the Friar defend her • "Kill Claudio" — Beatrice's response when Benedick asks how he can help. The comedy turns knife-sharp • Hero is reported dead. Claudio is devastated when he learns the truth (Dogberry and the Watch accidentally uncover Don John's plot) • Claudio agrees to marry Hero's "cousin" (actually Hero, veiled). Reveal. Forgiveness. Benedick and Beatrice admit their love • Dogberry — the incompetent constable who malapropizes everything — accidentally solves the crime. The fool saves the day • The play's real marriage is Benedick and Beatrice: equals who choose each other through intelligence, not convention