Description

Don Pedro, Prince of Arragon, visits Leonata, the governor of Messina, on his way back from a successful campaign against his rebellious brother, Don John. He is accompanied by his officers, Benedick and Claudio. During their time in Messina, Claudio falls in love with Hero, Leonato’s daughter, while Benedick engages in witty banter with Beatrice, the governor’s niece.   Don Pedro arranges for the marriage of Claudio and Hero due to their growing affection.

Trickery ensues as Don Pedro, Leonato, and Claudio conspire to make Benedick and Beatrice fall in love.   Hero and her maid also play a part in setting up Beatrice. Both Benedick and Beatrice believe that the other has expressed strong feelings for them.

The wedding of Claudio and Hero is planned, but Don John, pretending to have reconciled with his brother, secretly plots against Claudio. He deceives Claudio into thinking that Don Pedro wants Hero for himself and orchestrates a scheme with his henchman Borachio and Hero’s maid disguised as Hero to tarnish her reputation.   Claudio falsely accuses Hero of infidelity at the altar, but Friar Francis helps her escape and Leonato announces her death, supposedly due to grief.

Fortunately, Borachio is arrested after drunkenly revealing his role in the plan and Hero is cleared of all charges.   Leonato demands a public apology from Claudio and proposes that he marries one of his nieces instead of Hero. The niece turns out to be Hero herself, and Claudio and Hero are reunited.   In addition, Benedick and Beatrice decide to marry, and news arrives that Don John has been captured.