Much Ado About Nothing: Beatrice & Benedick

Much Ado About Nothing: Beatrice & Benedick

1. Beatrice

   • Appears hardened and sharp
     • ''O Lord, he will hang upon him like a disease!"
   • An example of Shakespeare's strong woman characters
   • Keeps up a 'Merry war of wits' with Benedick
   • Hero's cousin
   • Rebels against the stereotypical woman's role; to be a wife for their husband.
   • Very quick and witty. An example of this is when she refers to Benedick as "Signior Mountanto"
   • Hates the idea of marriage.
   • "A bird of my tongue is better than a beast of yours"

2. Benedick

   • Benedick is independent from his friends; when he sides with Beatrice
   • Hates the idea of Claudio and Hero marrying
     • "But I hope you have no intent to turn husband, have you?"
   • Can be perceived as mean and sometimes cruel to Beatrice with his insults.
   • Very Clever and witty like Beatrice.
   • Also hates the idea of marriage.
     • "pluck off the bull's horns and set them in my forehead"
     • But quickly admits his love for Beatrice.