The play is about confusion and misunderstanding. It is a comedy about self-deception, vanity, jealousy and pride. Shakespeare conjures up a series of melodramatic events, but there are no tragic results, and all ends well.
It is set in Messina, the capital of Sicily, where family honour is all important. It is desirable that a woman remains a virgin until she is married. If she is not the family are shamed and to make amends they might wreak terrible vengeance on both the woman and her lover.
The play opens at the home of the Governor of Messina, Leonato. He lives with his brother, Antonio, and two young women, Hero, his daughter, and Beatrice, his niece who is an orphan.
Leonato has invited a Prince, Don Pedro, to stay with him as his guest for a month. Don Pedro has just defeated the forces of his half-brother, Don John (known as "the bastard"). Don Pedro turns up with two young officers, Claudio and Benedick. Also in the party is Don John, who has been pardoned by Don Pedro.
The relationships of the two young couples, Hero and Claudio, and Beatrice and Benedick, the attempts of their elders to arrange their futures, and the evil influence of Don John, provide the drama, tension and humour in the play.
A Messenger arrives at Leonato's to tell him the victorious Prince, Don Pedro is on his way, accompanied by Claudio, a valiant young count. However Beatrice is more interested in whether Benedick is in the party. She wastes no time in ridiculing him in front of the messenger. By the time Don Pedro's party arrives we are prepared for sparks between Beatrice and Benedick. As soon as they meet again they dominate the dialogue, exchanging insults.
Claudio confesses his love for Hero to Benedick who is not impressed. He says he prefers the foul-tempered Beatrice to the meek Hero. Benedick is a confirmed bachelor and expects his friend to be the same. Don Pedro appears and offers to impersonate Claudio at the forthcoming masked ball and sweep Hero off her feet. Then he will get the consent of Leonato, to the marriage of Claudio and Hero.
Antonio, Leonato's elder brother, has been told by a servant that he has overheard Don Pedro saying he has fallen in love with Hero and is going to ask Leonato for her hand in marriage. In telling Leonato, he sets the scene for more misunderstanding. Leonato leaves to tell Hero of the news.
The "villain", Don John, tells Conrade, his follower, of his discontent and bitterness. Borachio, another follower, arrives to tell them that he has overheard Don Pedro's plan to woo Hero. Don John sees an opportunity to get even with Claudio, who is his brother's favourite, and who played a part in his defeat. Don John is much more cheerful and goes off with his followers to the masked ball.
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