Much Ado About Nothing

Act 1, Scene 1

Leonato, the governor of Messina, reads a letter from a messenger that announces the arrival of Don Pedro, the Prince of Aragon. Don Pedro and his army are returning victorious from a battle and a young soldier named Claudio has been bestowed with honors for his valiant deeds. Leonato’s daughter Hero and his niece Beatrice are listening and Beatrice asks the messenger if a man named Benedick has returned from war. It is clear that Beatrice dislikes Benedick by her constant use of clever jokes about him, but the messenger assures Beatrice that Benedick is an excellent soldier and he and Claudio have become close friends.

Don Pedro enters with Claudio, Benedick, and some other soldiers. Leonato welcomes the Prince and introduces his daughter, Hero. Benedick makes a remark and Beatrice cuts in asking why Benedick is talking if nobody pays attention to him. Benedick and Beatrice go back and forth with clever insults, clearly very well matched in wit, until Benedick moves