Summary of Act 1, 2 and 3

Act

In the drama “Much Ado About Nothing,” the play begins with a messenger the news of the soldiers victory in battle and to expect their arrival in Leonato’s house shortly. Upon receiving more information about the war Beatrice then began to slander and insult Signior Benedick Mountanto of Padua. When they arrived Don Pedro also known as “Prince” along with his soldiers Claudio, Benedick and his “bastard” brother Don John all greeted Leonato and were praised on their recent victory. Beatrice then took the opportunity to continue her harsh insults and mockery of Signior Benedick where he, equivalent to her character made a few insults of his own.

After their exchange of insults, Claudio professed his love for Hero to Benedick. Benedick, a lucid man when it comes to love, was confused and enraged that his friend could be in “love.” He tried to persuade him to believe that such a thing does not exist and he is a fool to believe otherwise. Don Pedro now enters encouraging Claudio to pursue rather than try to discourage as Benedick attempted to do. Failing to understand the absurd behaviour of his friends talk of love Benedict gave up and departed. Claudio continued professing his undying love for Hero to Don Pedro. He also revealed that he would woo her but would not know how. Don Pedro, being the loyal friend that he was, in Claudio’s honour decided to woo Hero and receive Leonato’s blessings for marriage.

In meeting with Leonato, Antonio revealed that one of his men had overheard Claudio’s confession to Don Pedro of his love for Hero and their plot to woo her. Leonato now overcome with joy demanded that Antonio tell Hero at once so that she is prepared for an answer.

As Don John confides in his close follower, Conrade, his deepest troubles, Borachio another follower enters bearing news of what he overheard from Don Pedro and Claudio’s conversation. For spite and complete hatred of his brother; Don John and his two followers devised a plan to destroy this plot.

Act 2

On the night of the masquerade party held for the soldiers, Beatrice, Leonato, Hero, Innogen, Antonio and Kinsmen stood conversing. Beatrice’s in submissive and outspoken character is once more the topic at hand. Her witty quick remarks and her complete disdain for love is a source of amusement in this assembly of persons. When the soldiers entered the party, Pedro immediately followed through with the plan. The scene continued by introducing other couples such as Balthasar and Margaret, Ursula and Antonio. On the other hand Beatrice and Benedick continued their silly game. A disguised Benedick was Beatrice’s true thoughts of him. Meanwhile, Borachio and Don John pretended to have addressed Claudio as Benedick and began planting the seed of their plan. They claimed that Don Pedro’s bidding was not authentic but driven by his own selfish needs. Being as gullible as one can be Claudio, the bait, was easily hooked.

A now unmasked, distraught Benedick sees a jealous, angry Claudio and took his chance to prove his point of the pain and hurt that comes with love. The jealous Claudio now angered left Benedick’s company. Don Pedro confused by his friend’s anger, Benedick then gave an account of Claudio’s childish behaviour. Beatrice was then sent to retrieve the jealous Claudio. The miscontusion was cleared and Leonato gave Claudio his blessings.

After confiding in Don Pedro her desire to be loved was more vulnerable than ever, he decided that she is pure in heart. When she departed to festivities he devised a plan with Claudio, Hero and Leonato to make Benedick and Beatrice fall in love.

With their first plot as a failure, Don John and his followers decided to destroy that is about to take place between Count Claudio and Hero.

Benedick is alone in the orchard and is outpouring his desires of a woman if he so chooses one. Don Pedro, Leonato, Claudio and Balthasar then enter the orchard. After Balthasar’s singing, well aware of Benedict’s presence they began recalling instances of Beatrice professing her undying love Benedick. Although part of him did not believe this trick, a part of him that for love believed.

Act 3

The plot continues as Hero, and Ursula confess they have heard evidences of Benedick confessing his love for Beatrice entirely. Beatrice was also skeptical but took the bait.

While Don Pedro announces his quick and sudden departure after the wedding to Claudio, Benedick and Leonato, Benedick in the conversation acted in accordance as a man in love and was therefore teased as a magician the pawn of his own trick.

After the meeting Don John approached Don Pedro and Claudio claiming that Hero is disloyal.  To prove his claim he took them to her bedroom window where two figures were seen intimate. Claudio along with Don Pedro then planned to disgrace Hero in front of the entire congregation.

Dogberry, the Chief Constable, and Verges, the Headborough and three watchmen met to discuss the security of the Prince and the wedding occurring the next day. As Dogberry and verges left, Conrade and a drunken Borachio stood before the porch bearing their devious plot against Hero. The watchmen having heard enough descended upon them and departed with them. The next day, Beatrice, Margaret and Ursula helps Hero prepare for her wedding. Meanwhile, Dogberry and Verges unaware of the watchmen’s knowledge of the two held captive, appeared to Leonato asking for his aid in interrogating them but was denied in seeing that it was his daughter’s wedding day.