Much Ado About Nothing: A comedy play by William Shakespeare: 1 (Shakespeare Classics)

Much Ado About Nothing is a comedy by William Shakespeare thought to have been written in 1598 and 1599 as Shakespeare was approaching the middle of his career. The play was included in the First Folio published in 1623. By means of noting (which in Shakespeares day sounded similar to nothing as in the plays title and which means gossip rumour and overhearing) Benedick and Beatrice are tricked into confessing their love for each other and Claudio is tricked into rejecting Hero at the altar in the erroneous belief that she has been unfaithful. At the end Benedick and Beatrice join forces to set things right and the others join in a dance celebrating the marriages of the two couples.Characters: Benedick a lord and soldier from Padua; companion of Don PedroBeatrice niece of LeonatoDon Pedro Prince of AragonDon John the Bastard Prince brother of Don PedroClaudio of Florence; a count companion of Don Pedro friend to BenedickLeonato governor of Messina; Heros fatherAntonio brother of LeonatoBalthasar attendant on Don Pedro a singerBorachio follower of Don JohnConrade follower of Don JohnInnogen a ghost character in early editions as Leonatos wifeHero daughter of LeonatoMargaret waiting-gentlewoman attendant on HeroUrsula waiting-gentlewoman attendant on HeroDogberry the constable in charge of Messinas night watchVerges the Headborough Dogberrys partnerFriar Francis a priesta Sexton the judge of the trial of Borachioa Boy serving BenedickThe Watch watchmen of MessinaAttendants and Messengers