Their relationship is quite hostile when they meet in Act 1 Scene 1. They fall into old habits of squabbling and their constant arguing hints at the fact that they have known each other a long time.

‘I wonder that you will still be talking, Signor Benedick, nobody marks you.’ (Beatrice, 1:1)

‘Well you are a rare parrot-teacher.’ (Benedick, 1:1)

Things get worse at the masked ball when Beatrice hears Benedick has insulted her and she insults him back. We learn that he has hurt her in the past.

‘he lent it me a while, and I gave him use for it, a double heart for his single one: marry once before he won it of me, with false dice’ (Beatrice, 2:1)

‘here’s a dish I love not, I cannot endure my Lady Tongue.’ (Benedick, 2:1)

After being tricked by his friends, Benedick is convinced of Beatrice’s love for him and is ready to love her back. Beatrice, however, has no idea.

‘Against my will I am sent to bid you come in to dinner.’ (Beatrice, 2:3)

‘Fair Beatrice, I thank you for your pains.’ (Benedick, 2:3)

Their relationship grows stronger after Act 3 Scene 1 when Beatrice is tricked and realises she loves Benedick too. After the terrible events at the wedding in Act 4 Scene 1, the two finally admit deep feelings for each other.

‘I love you with so much of my heart, that none is left to protest.’ (Beatrice, 4:1)

‘Come bid me do anything for thee.’ (Benedick, 4:1)

Their relationship is very strong by Act 5 Scene 4. Benedick has proved his love to Beatrice by challenging Claudio. He has also asked Leonato for her hand in marriage. They are forced to admit their love in public when sonnets they’ve written to each other are exposed.

‘A miracle, here’s our own hands against our hearts’ (Benedick, 5:4)

‘I would not deny you, but by this good day, I yield upon great persuasion’ (Beatrice, 5:4)

Their relationship is strong at the start of the play. Hero and Beatrice live together and know each other well. Beatrice is protective towards Hero and wants her to keep an independent mind.

‘yet for all that, cousin, let him be a handsome fellow, or else make another curtsey, and say, father, as it please me.’ (Beatrice, 2:1)

Hero leads the plan to make Beatrice fall for Benedick, talking about Beatrice and her failings so that Beatrice can overhear them. Hero does this to try and help Beatrice but the language could be seen as quite cruel.

‘she cannot love, / Nor take no shape nor project of affection, / She is so self-endeared.’ (Hero, 3:1)

‘What fire is in mine ears? Can this be true?’ (Beatrice, 3:1)

The bond between Beatrice and Hero is very clear in Act 4 Scene 1 when Hero is publicly shamed at her wedding. Beatrice is the first to reach Hero when she faints and, in her grief, thinks Hero is dead.

‘Oh on my soul my cousin is belied.’ (Beatrice, 4:1)

Beatrice is fiercely loyal to Hero even when her own father turns his back on her. Beatrice’s tears turn to anger on her cousin’s behalf and she even asks Benedick to kill Claudio, saying she would do it herself if she were a man.

‘Sweet Hero, she is wronged, she is slandered, she is undone.’ (Beatrice, 4:1)

Their relationship is still very strong at the end of the play. Hero is not above teasing Beatrice in public, stealing a sonnet that she’s written for Benedick and reading it aloud to everyone.

'And here’s another, / Writ in my cousin’s hand, stolen from her pocket, / Containing her affection unto Benedick.’ (Hero, 5:4)

Their relationship is strong at the start of the play. Leonato cares for Beatrice as her uncle and guardian. He praises her character and spirit but worries she’ll remain unmarried.

‘There’s little of the melancholy in her, my lord, she is never sad, but when she sleeps’ (Leonato, 2:1)

‘No, uncle, I’ll none: Adam’s sons are my brethren, and truly I hold it a sin to match in my kindred.’ (Beatrice, 2:1)

Their relationship is still strong and Leonato takes an active part in Don Pedro’s plan to bring Beatrice and Benedick together, wanting to see her happy with Benedick.

‘I cannot tell what to think of it, but that she loves him with an enraged affection, it is past the infinite of thought.’ (Leonato, 2:3)

Their relationship is tested in Act 4 Scene 1 when Leonato rejects Hero in front of the whole church and says he wishes her dead.

‘Dead I think, help, uncle! / Hero, why Hero: uncle: Signor Benedick: friar!’ (Beatrice, 4:1)

‘Do not live, Hero, do not ope thine eyes’ (Leonato, 4:1)

Their relationship is mostly restored when Leonato is happy to give his blessing for Benedick to marry Beatrice and once Beatrice knows Hero is okay.

‘My heart is with your liking.’ (Leonato, 5:4)

Their relationship is quite hostile when they meet in Act 1 Scene 1. They fall into old habits of squabbling and their constant arguing hints at the fact that they have known each other a long time.

‘I wonder that you will still be talking, Signor Benedick, nobody marks you.’ (Beatrice, 1:1)

‘Well you are a rare parrot-teacher.’ (Benedick, 1:1)

Things get worse at the masked ball when Beatrice hears Benedick has insulted her and she insults him back. We learn that he has hurt her in the past.

‘he lent it me a while, and I gave him use for it, a double heart for his single one: marry once before he won it of me, with false dice’ (Beatrice, 2:1)

‘here’s a dish I love not, I cannot endure my Lady Tongue.’ (Benedick, 2:1)

After being tricked by his friends, Benedick is convinced of Beatrice’s love for him and is ready to love her back. Beatrice, however, has no idea.

‘Against my will I am sent to bid you come in to dinner.’ (Beatrice, 2:3)

‘Fair Beatrice, I thank you for your pains.’ (Benedick, 2:3)

Their relationship grows stronger after Act 3 Scene 1 when Beatrice is tricked and realises she loves Benedick too. After the terrible events at the wedding in Act 4 Scene 1, the two finally admit deep feelings for each other.

‘I love you with so much of my heart, that none is left to protest.’ (Beatrice, 4:1)

‘Come bid me do anything for thee.’ (Benedick, 4:1)

Their relationship is very strong by Act 5 Scene 4. Benedick has proved his love to Beatrice by challenging Claudio. He has also asked Leonato for her hand in marriage. They are forced to admit their love in public when sonnets they’ve written to each other are exposed.

‘A miracle, here’s our own hands against our hearts’ (Benedick, 5:4)

‘I would not deny you, but by this good day, I yield upon great persuasion’ (Beatrice, 5:4)

Their relationship is strong at the the start of the play. Benedick has fought for Don Pedro and is loyal to him. They are comfortable in each other's company and Don Pedro finds Benedick entertaining.

‘I shall see thee, ere I die, look pale with love.’ (Don Pedro, 1:1)

‘Will your grace command me any service to the world’s end?’ (Benedick, 2:1)

Their relationship is still strong. Don Pedro comes up with a plan to make Benedick fall in love with Beatrice. He appreciates Benedick’s strong points.

‘Benedick is not the unhopefullest husband that I know: thus far can I praise him, he is of noble strain, of approved valour and confirmed honesty.’ (Don Pedro, 2:1)

Their relationship is weakened when Don Pedro joins Claudio to shame Hero at the wedding. Benedick is confused. He knows Don Pedro is honourable and suspects he has been tricked by Don John.

‘Two of them have the very bent of honour, / And if their wisdoms be misled in this, / The practice of it lives in John the bastard’ (Benedick, 4:1)

Benedick refuses to joke with Don Pedro any more and ends his friendship with him for his part in shaming Hero. Don Pedro thinks Benedick is being foolish.

‘my lord, for your many courtesies I thank you: I must discontinue your company’ (Benedick, 5:1)

‘What a pretty thing man is, when he goes in his doublet and hose, and leave off his wit!’ (Don Pedro, 5:1)

Their relationship is restored at the end of the play when Don Pedro realises his mistake and all is forgotten. Don Pedro teases Benedick about getting married. Benedick notices a sadness in him and tries to raise his spirits about Don John.

‘How dost thou, Benedick the married man?’ (Don Pedro, 5:4)

‘Think not on him till tomorrow, I’ll devise thee brave punishments for him’ (Benedick, 5:4)

Their relationship is fairly strong in Act 1 as Claudio believes his feelings for Hero have deepened since he came back from war. However, Claudio does not know Hero well and has a very ideal image of her.

‘I am yours for the walk, and especially when I walk away.’ (Hero to Don Pedro, who is pretending to be Claudio, 2:1)

‘Lady, as you are mine, I am yours: I give away myself for you, and dote upon the exchange.’ (Claudio, 2:1)

Their relationship is badly damaged after Act 3 Scene 2, when Claudio believes Hero is being unfaithful. He sees the servant Margaret with Borachio but is easily convinced that it is Hero. Hero knows nothing of this and is getting ready for her wedding.

‘in the congregation, where I should wed, there will I shame her.’ (Claudio, 3:2)

‘God give me joy to wear it, for my heart is exceeding heavy.’ (Hero, 3:4)

Their relationship is destroyed at the wedding in Act 4 Scene 1 when Claudio publicly shames Hero. Hero faints in shock when wrongly accused of being unfaithful.

‘For thee I’ll lock up all the gates of love’ (Claudio, 4:1)

‘Oh God defend me, how am I beset! / What kind of catechising call you this?’ (Hero, 4:1)

There is hope for their relationship in Act 5 Scene 1, when Claudio hears Borachio’s confession. He realises that Hero is innocent and that he was wrong in shaming her.

‘Sweet Hero, now thy image doth appear / In the rare semblance that I loved it first.’ (Claudio, 5:1)

Their relationship is stronger at the end of the play than at the beginning. When Hero is revealed to be alive in Act 5 Scene 4, their love can now be based on something deeper than attraction.

‘Give me your hand before this holy friar, / I am your husband if you like of me.’ (Claudio, 5:4)

‘One Hero died defiled, but I do live, / And surely as I live, I am a maid.’ (Hero, 5:4)

Their relationship is strong at the start of the play. Hero and Beatrice live together and know each other well. Beatrice is protective towards Hero and wants her to keep an independent mind.

‘yet for all that, cousin, let him be a handsome fellow, or else make another curtsey, and say, father, as it please me.’ (Beatrice, 2:1)

Hero leads the plan to make Beatrice fall for Benedick, talking about Beatrice and her failings so that Beatrice can overhear them. Hero does this to try and help Beatrice but the language could be seen as quite cruel.

‘she cannot love, / Nor take no shape nor project of affection, / She is so self-endeared.’ (Hero, 3:1)

‘What fire is in mine ears? Can this be true?’ (Beatrice, 3:1)

The bond between Beatrice and Hero is very clear in Act 4 Scene 1 when Hero is publicly shamed at her wedding. Beatrice is the first to reach Hero when she faints and, in her grief, thinks Hero is dead.

‘Oh on my soul my cousin is belied.’ (Beatrice, 4:1)

Beatrice is fiercely loyal to Hero even when her own father turns his back on her. Beatrice’s tears turn to anger on her cousin’s behalf and she even asks Benedick to kill Claudio, saying she would do it herself if she were a man.

‘Sweet Hero, she is wronged, she is slandered, she is undone.’ (Beatrice, 4:1)

Their relationship is still very strong at the end of the play. Hero is not above teasing Beatrice in public, stealing a sonnet that she’s written for Benedick and reading it aloud to everyone.

'And here’s another, / Writ in my cousin’s hand, stolen from her pocket, / Containing her affection unto Benedick.’ (Hero, 5:4)

The relationship is very strong at the start of the play. Hero is Leonato’s only child and he is her only parent. He cares for her and she is obedient to him.

‘Daughter, remember what I told you: if the prince do solicit you in that kind, you know your answer.’ (Leonato, 2:1)

Their relationship takes a shocking turn at Hero’s wedding when Leonato believes everything the prince and Claudio say and he rejects her, wishing she was dead.

‘if they speak but truth of her, / These hands shall tear her’ (Leonato, 4:1)

‘Refuse me, hate me, torture me to death.’ (Hero, 4:1)

Leonato admits that he has more faith in his daughter and challenges Claudio to a duel for disgracing her.

‘My soul doth tell me, Hero is belied, / And that shall Claudio know, so shall the prince, / And all of them that this dishonour her.’ (Leonato, 5:1)

Hero’s innocence is revealed and Leonato makes sure Claudio earns his right to marry his daughter.

‘Possess the people in Messina here, / How innocent she died’ (Leonato, 5:1)

Their relationship is mostly restored when Leonato reveals his innocent daughter as a prize for Claudio to marry now he is properly worthy of her.

‘She died, my lord, but whiles her slander lived.’ (Leonato, 5:4)

‘One Hero died defiled, but I do live, / And surely as I live, I am a maid.’ (Hero, 5:4)

Their relationship is a strong one at the start of the play. Margaret joins in when Hero tricks Beatrice. Hero trusts her to fetch Beatrice and start the plan.

‘say thou overheard’t us, / And bid her steal into the pleached bower’ (Hero, 3:1)

‘I’ll make her come I warrant you, presently.’ (Margaret, 3:1)

The relationship is still strong. Margaret allows Borachio to call her “Hero” whilst in Hero’s chamber. However, she has no idea that this is part of a plan and she is being used to ruin Hero.

‘she leans me out at her mistress’ chamber window, bids me a thousand times good night’ (Borachio about Margaret, 3:3)

Their relationship is very strong on the morning of Hero’s wedding. Margaret praises Hero’s dress and teases her about the wedding night. Margaret is unaware that her actions last night are about to cause Hero so much harm.

’Twill be heavier soon by the weight of a man.’ (Margaret, 3:4)

‘There thou prick’st her with a thistle.’ (Hero, 3:4)

Their relationship continues to be strong and Margaret’s name is cleared by Borachio. No one blames her for what happened and she joins Hero and the other women in Leonato’s plan.

‘But Margaret was in some fault for this, / Although against her will as it appears, / In the true course of all the question.’ (Leonato, 5:4)

Their relationship is fairly strong in Act 1 as Claudio believes his feelings for Hero have deepened since he came back from war. However, Claudio does not know Hero well and has a very ideal image of her.

‘I am yours for the walk, and especially when I walk away.’ (Hero to Don Pedro, who is pretending to be Claudio, 2:1)

‘Lady, as you are mine, I am yours: I give away myself for you, and dote upon the exchange.’ (Claudio, 2:1)

Their relationship is badly damaged after Act 3 Scene 2, when Claudio believes Hero is being unfaithful. He sees the servant Margaret with Borachio but is easily convinced that it is Hero. Hero knows nothing of this and is getting ready for her wedding.

‘in the congregation, where I should wed, there will I shame her.’ (Claudio, 3:2)

‘God give me joy to wear it, for my heart is exceeding heavy.’ (Hero, 3:4)

Their relationship is destroyed at the wedding in Act 4 Scene 1 when Claudio publicly shames Hero. Hero faints in shock when wrongly accused of being unfaithful.

‘For thee I’ll lock up all the gates of love’ (Claudio, 4:1)

‘Oh God defend me, how am I beset! / What kind of catechising call you this?’ (Hero, 4:1)

There is hope for their relationship in Act 5 Scene 1, when Claudio hears Borachio’s confession. He realises that Hero is innocent and that he was wrong in shaming her.

‘Sweet Hero, now thy image doth appear / In the rare semblance that I loved it first.’ (Claudio, 5:1)

Their relationship is stronger at the end of the play than at the beginning. When Hero is revealed to be alive in Act 5 Scene 4, their love can now be based on something deeper than attraction.

‘Give me your hand before this holy friar, / I am your husband if you like of me.’ (Claudio, 5:4)

‘One Hero died defiled, but I do live, / And surely as I live, I am a maid.’ (Hero, 5:4)

Their relationship is very strong at the start of the play. Don Pedro has honoured Claudio for bravery and Claudio speaks openly to him about his feelings for Hero.

‘How sweetly you do minister to love’ (Claudio, 1:1)

‘to her father will I break, / And the conclusion is, she shall be thine’ (Don Pedro, 4:1)

The relationship is weakened temporarily in Act 2 Scene 1 when Claudio believes Don John and thinks Don Pedro is in love with Hero. For a brief moment, Claudio thinks their friendship is over.

‘Tis certain so, the prince woos for himself. / Friendship is constant in all other things, / Save in the office and affairs of love’ (Claudio to Benedick, 2:1)

‘Why how now, count, wherefore are you sad?’ (Don Pedro to Claudio, 2:1)

Their relationship gets stronger when Claudio realises his mistake. They work together to trick Benedick into loving Beatrice and enjoy teasing him when it works.

‘See you where Benedick hath hid himself?’ (Don Pedro, 2:3)

‘Oh very well, my lord: the music endeth, / We’ll fit the kid-fox with a pennyworth.’ (Claudio, 2:3)

Their relationship is still quite strong when Don Pedro and Claudio are both tricked into thinking Hero is unfaithful. Don Pedro feels bad that he arranged such a bad marriage for his friend.

‘I stand dishonoured that have gone about / To link my dear friend to a common stale.’ (Don Pedro, 4:1)

‘Sweet prince, you learn me noble thankfulness: / There Leonato, take her back again.’ (Claudio, 4:1)

Their relationship is strengthened at the end of the play when they realise Don John’s deception and promise Leonato to make things right.

‘Come let us hence, and put on other weeds, / And then to Leonato’s we will go.’ (Don Pedro, 5:4)

‘And Hymen now with luckier issue speeds, / Than this for whom we rendered up this woe.’ (Claudio, 5:4)

The relationship is very strong at the start of the play. Hero is Leonato’s only child and he is her only parent. He cares for her and she is obedient to him.

‘Daughter, remember what I told you: if the prince do solicit you in that kind, you know your answer.’ (Leonato, 2:1)

Their relationship takes a shocking turn at Hero’s wedding when Leonato believes everything the prince and Claudio say and he rejects her, wishing she was dead.

‘if they speak but truth of her, / These hands shall tear her’ (Leonato, 4:1)

‘Refuse me, hate me, torture me to death.’ (Hero, 4:1)

Leonato admits that he has more faith in his daughter and challenges Claudio to a duel for disgracing her.

‘My soul doth tell me, Hero is belied, / And that shall Claudio know, so shall the prince, / And all of them that this dishonour her.’ (Leonato, 5:1)

Hero’s innocence is revealed and Leonato makes sure Claudio earns his right to marry his daughter.

‘Possess the people in Messina here, / How innocent she died’ (Leonato, 5:1)

Their relationship is mostly restored when Leonato reveals his innocent daughter as a prize for Claudio to marry now he is properly worthy of her.

‘She died, my lord, but whiles her slander lived.’ (Leonato, 5:4)

‘One Hero died defiled, but I do live, / And surely as I live, I am a maid.’ (Hero, 5:4)

Their relationship is strong at the start of the play. Leonato cares for Beatrice as her uncle and guardian. He praises her character and spirit but worries she’ll remain unmarried.

‘There’s little of the melancholy in her, my lord, she is never sad, but when she sleeps’ (Leonato, 2:1)

‘No, uncle, I’ll none: Adam’s sons are my brethren, and truly I hold it a sin to match in my kindred.’ (Beatrice, 2:1)

Their relationship is still strong and Leonato takes an active part in Don Pedro’s plan to bring Beatrice and Benedick together, wanting to see her happy with Benedick.

‘I cannot tell what to think of it, but that she loves him with an enraged affection, it is past the infinite of thought.’ (Leonato, 2:3)

Their relationship is tested in Act 4 Scene 1 when Leonato rejects Hero in front of the whole church and says he wishes her dead.

‘Dead I think, help, uncle! / Hero, why Hero: uncle: Signor Benedick: friar!’ (Beatrice, 4:1)

‘Do not live, Hero, do not ope thine eyes’ (Leonato, 4:1)

Their relationship is mostly restored when Leonato is happy to give his blessing for Benedick to marry Beatrice and once Beatrice knows Hero is okay.

‘My heart is with your liking.’ (Leonato, 5:4)

Their relationship is strong at the start of the play. The two men know each other well and respect each other. Leonato goes out of his way to welcome Don Pedro into his home as a guest. He is eager to make a good impression on the prince.

‘Never came trouble to my house in the likeness of your grace: for trouble being gone, comfort should remain: but when you depart from me, sorry abides, and happiness takes his leave.’ (Leonato, 1:1)

‘be happy, lady, for you are like an honourable father.’ (Don Pedro to Hero, 1:1)

The relationship becomes stronger when Don Pedro asks Leonato to join his plan to trick Benedick. Leonato is more than happy to take part.

‘My lord, I am for you, though it cost me ten nights’ watchings.’ (Leonato, 2:1)

‘Come hither, Leonato, what was it you told me of today, that your niece Beatrice was in love with Signor Benedick?’ (Don Pedro, 2:3)

The relationship is weakened badly at the wedding. Leonato is stunned when Don Pedro joins Claudio in publicly shaming his daughter.

‘Sweet prince, why speak not you?’ (Leonato, 4:1)

‘What should I speak? / I stand dishonoured that have gone about / To link my dear friend to a common stale.’ (Don Pedro, 4:1)

The relationship is weaker than ever in Act 5 Scene 1 when Leonato accuses Don Pedro and Claudio of killing Hero. Don Pedro has lost respect for Leonato and refuses to accept responsibility.

‘Some haste, my lord! Well, fare you well, my lord, / Are you so hasty now? Well, all is one.’ (Leonato, 5:1)

‘You say not right, old man.’ (Don Pedro, 5:1)

Their relationship is mostly restored when Leonato realises Don Pedro was tricked by Don John. Don Pedro will do anything to make up for what has happened.

‘Here stand a pair of honourable men, / A third is fled that had a hand in it’ (Leonato, 5:1)

‘yet to satisfy this good old man, / I would bend under any heavy weight, / That he’ll enjoin me to.’ (Don Pedro, 5:1)

Their relationship is strained at the start of the play. Don John is Don Pedro’s illegitimate half-brother and has recently been reunited with him after a disagreement, although he is still very bitter towards him.

'You have of late stood out against your brother, and he hath take you newly into his grace ’ (Conrad to Don John, 1:3)

‘I had rather be a canker in a hedge, than a rose in his grace’ (Don John, 1:3)

Their relationship grows weaker as Don John causes trouble between Don Pedro and Claudio. He tells Claudio that Don Pedro loves Hero and is wooing her for himself.

’Signor, you are very near my brother in his love, he is enamoured on Hero, I pray you dissuade him from her, she is no equal for his birth’ (Don John, 2:1)

Their relationship is weakened even more when Don John deceives Don Pedro and Claudio into thinking Hero has been unfaithful, although Don Pedro seems to trust him and to believe what he shows them.

‘if you will follow me, I will show you enough’ (Don John, 3:2)

Don John appears supportive of his brother when they shame Hero at the wedding. Don Pedro thinks Don John has helped his friend avoid a bad marriage and is unaware he has planned the whole cruel deception.

‘Myself, my brother, and this grieved count / Did see her, hear her, at that hour last night’ (Don Pedro, 4:1)

‘Fie, fie, they are / Not to be named my lord, not to be spoke of’ (Don John, 4:1)

The relationship is completely destroyed when it becomes clear what Don John has done. Don Pedro is horrified to discover his brother's crime and they all learn of Don John’s capture in the final scene of the play.

‘He is composed and framed of treachery, / And fled he is upon this villainy.’ (Don Pedro, 5:1)

Their relationship is strong at the start of the play. The two men know each other well and respect each other. Leonato goes out of his way to welcome Don Pedro into his home as a guest. He is eager to make a good impression on the prince.

‘Never came trouble to my house in the likeness of your grace: for trouble being gone, comfort should remain: but when you depart from me, sorry abides, and happiness takes his leave.’ (Leonato, 1:1)

‘be happy, lady, for you are like an honourable father.’ (Don Pedro to Hero, 1:1)

The relationship becomes stronger when Don Pedro asks Leonato to join his plan to trick Benedick. Leonato is more than happy to take part.

‘My lord, I am for you, though it cost me ten nights’ watchings.’ (Leonato, 2:1)

‘Come hither, Leonato, what was it you told me of today, that your niece Beatrice was in love with Signor Benedick?’ (Don Pedro, 2:3)

The relationship is weakened badly at the wedding. Leonato is stunned when Don Pedro joins Claudio in publicly shaming his daughter.

‘Sweet prince, why speak not you?’ (Leonato, 4:1)

‘What should I speak? / I stand dishonoured that have gone about / To link my dear friend to a common stale.’ (Don Pedro, 4:1)

The relationship is weaker than ever in Act 5 Scene 1 when Leonato accuses Don Pedro and Claudio of killing Hero. Don Pedro has lost respect for Leonato and refuses to accept responsibility.

‘Some haste, my lord! Well, fare you well, my lord, / Are you so hasty now? Well, all is one.’ (Leonato, 5:1)

‘You say not right, old man.’ (Don Pedro, 5:1)

Their relationship is mostly restored when Leonato realises Don Pedro was tricked by Don John. Don Pedro will do anything to make up for what has happened.

‘Here stand a pair of honourable men, / A third is fled that had a hand in it’ (Leonato, 5:1)

‘yet to satisfy this good old man, / I would bend under any heavy weight, / That he’ll enjoin me to.’ (Don Pedro, 5:1)

Their relationship is very strong at the start of the play. Don Pedro has honoured Claudio for bravery and Claudio speaks openly to him about his feelings for Hero.

‘How sweetly you do minister to love’ (Claudio, 1:1)

‘to her father will I break, / And the conclusion is, she shall be thine’ (Don Pedro, 4:1)

The relationship is weakened temporarily in Act 2 Scene 1 when Claudio believes Don John and thinks Don Pedro is in love with Hero. For a brief moment, Claudio thinks their friendship is over.

‘Tis certain so, the prince woos for himself. / Friendship is constant in all other things, / Save in the office and affairs of love’ (Claudio to Benedick, 2:1)

‘Why how now, count, wherefore are you sad?’ (Don Pedro to Claudio, 2:1)

Their relationship gets stronger when Claudio realises his mistake. They work together to trick Benedick into loving Beatrice and enjoy teasing him when it works.

‘See you where Benedick hath hid himself?’ (Don Pedro, 2:3)

‘Oh very well, my lord: the music endeth, / We’ll fit the kid-fox with a pennyworth.’ (Claudio, 2:3)

Their relationship is still quite strong when Don Pedro and Claudio are both tricked into thinking Hero is unfaithful. Don Pedro feels bad that he arranged such a bad marriage for his friend.

‘I stand dishonoured that have gone about / To link my dear friend to a common stale.’ (Don Pedro, 4:1)

‘Sweet prince, you learn me noble thankfulness: / There Leonato, take her back again.’ (Claudio, 4:1)

Their relationship is strengthened at the end of the play when they realise Don John’s deception and promise Leonato to make things right.

‘Come let us hence, and put on other weeds, / And then to Leonato’s we will go.’ (Don Pedro, 5:4)

‘And Hymen now with luckier issue speeds, / Than this for whom we rendered up this woe.’ (Claudio, 5:4)

Their relationship is strong at the the start of the play. Benedick has fought for Don Pedro and is loyal to him. They are comfortable in each other's company and Don Pedro finds Benedick entertaining.

‘I shall see thee, ere I die, look pale with love.’ (Don Pedro, 1:1)

‘Will your grace command me any service to the world’s end?’ (Benedick, 2:1)

Their relationship is still strong. Don Pedro comes up with a plan to make Benedick fall in love with Beatrice. He appreciates Benedick’s strong points.

‘Benedick is not the unhopefullest husband that I know: thus far can I praise him, he is of noble strain, of approved valour and confirmed honesty.’ (Don Pedro, 2:1)

Their relationship is weakened when Don Pedro joins Claudio to shame Hero at the wedding. Benedick is confused. He knows Don Pedro is honourable and suspects he has been tricked by Don John.

‘Two of them have the very bent of honour, / And if their wisdoms be misled in this, / The practice of it lives in John the bastard’ (Benedick, 4:1)

Benedick refuses to joke with Don Pedro any more and ends his friendship with him for his part in shaming Hero. Don Pedro thinks Benedick is being foolish.

‘my lord, for your many courtesies I thank you: I must discontinue your company’ (Benedick, 5:1)

‘What a pretty thing man is, when he goes in his doublet and hose, and leave off his wit!’ (Don Pedro, 5:1)

Their relationship is restored at the end of the play when Don Pedro realises his mistake and all is forgotten. Don Pedro teases Benedick about getting married. Benedick notices a sadness in him and tries to raise his spirits about Don John.

‘How dost thou, Benedick the married man?’ (Don Pedro, 5:4)

‘Think not on him till tomorrow, I’ll devise thee brave punishments for him’ (Benedick, 5:4)

Their relationship is strained at the start of the play. Don John is Don Pedro’s illegitimate half-brother and has recently been reunited with him after a disagreement, although he is still very bitter towards him.

'You have of late stood out against your brother, and he hath take you newly into his grace ’ (Conrad to Don John, 1:3)

‘I had rather be a canker in a hedge, than a rose in his grace’ (Don John, 1:3)

Their relationship grows weaker as Don John causes trouble between Don Pedro and Claudio. He tells Claudio that Don Pedro loves Hero and is wooing her for himself.

’Signor, you are very near my brother in his love, he is enamoured on Hero, I pray you dissuade him from her, she is no equal for his birth’ (Don John, 2:1)

Their relationship is weakened even more when Don John deceives Don Pedro and Claudio into thinking Hero has been unfaithful, although Don Pedro seems to trust him and to believe what he shows them.

‘if you will follow me, I will show you enough’ (Don John, 3:2)

Don John appears supportive of his brother when they shame Hero at the wedding. Don Pedro thinks Don John has helped his friend avoid a bad marriage and is unaware he has planned the whole cruel deception.

‘Myself, my brother, and this grieved count / Did see her, hear her, at that hour last night’ (Don Pedro, 4:1)

‘Fie, fie, they are / Not to be named my lord, not to be spoke of’ (Don John, 4:1)

The relationship is completely destroyed when it becomes clear what Don John has done. Don Pedro is horrified to discover his brother's crime and they all learn of Don John’s capture in the final scene of the play.

‘He is composed and framed of treachery, / And fled he is upon this villainy.’ (Don Pedro, 5:1)

Their relationship is fairly strong at the start of the play. Borachio has supported Don John against his brother. Don John uses Borachio like a spy, taking useful information that he’s overheard.

‘I can give you intelligence of an intended marriage.’ (Borachio, 1:3)

‘Will it serve for any model to build mischief on?’ (Don John, 1:3)

Their relationship gets stronger when Borachio suggests a plan that will ruin all the people that Don John hates. Don John is thrilled and promises him a reward.

‘be cunning in the working this, and thy fee is a thousand ducats.’ (Don John, 2:2)

‘Be you constant in the accusation, and my cunning shall not shame me.’ (Borachio, 2:2)

Their relationship does not appear as strong in Act 3 Scene 1 when Borachio drunkenly brags about making money from his dealings with Don John.

‘when rich villains have need of poor ones, poor ones may make what price they will.’ (Borachio, 3:3)

Their relationship is shown to be weak in Act 4 Scene 2 when Borachio betrays Don John, calling him a ‘villain’. When Don John hears about Borachio’s arrest, he runs away.

‘This man said, sir, that Don John the prince’s brother was a villain.’ (Seacoal about Borachio, 4:2)

‘Prince John is this morning secretly stolen away’ (The Sexton to Seacoal, 4:2)

The relationship is destroyed at the end of the play. Borachio humbly confesses his crime but says Don John caused him to do it.

‘Don John your brother incensed me to slander the Lady Hero’ (Borachio, 5:4)

In Act 2 Scene 2, Borachio tells Don John that Margaret likes him. However, he only seems interested in using her as part of a plot to shame her mistress, Hero.

‘I told your lordship a year since, how much I am in the favour of Margaret, the waiting gentlewoman to Hero.’ (Borachio, 2:2)

In Act 3 Scene 3, Borachio brags that he has used Margaret to ruin the wedding between Claudio and Hero and seems pleased with himself.

‘I have tonight wooed Margaret, the Lady Hero’s gentlewoman, by the name of Hero’. (Borachio, 3:3)

Borachio shows some genuine respect for Margaret when he confesses to his crimes in Act 5 Scene 1, admitting that she knew nothing about the plot or his intentions.

‘No by my soul she was not, / Nor knew not what she did when she spoke to me, / But always hath been just and virtuous / In anything that I do know by her.’ (Borachio, 5:1)

Their relationship is a strong one at the start of the play. Margaret joins in when Hero tricks Beatrice. Hero trusts her to fetch Beatrice and start the plan.

‘say thou overheard’t us, / And bid her steal into the pleached bower’ (Hero, 3:1)

‘I’ll make her come I warrant you, presently.’ (Margaret, 3:1)

The relationship is still strong. Margaret allows Borachio to call her “Hero” whilst in Hero’s chamber. However, she has no idea that this is part of a plan and she is being used to ruin Hero.

‘she leans me out at her mistress’ chamber window, bids me a thousand times good night’ (Borachio about Margaret, 3:3)

Their relationship is very strong on the morning of Hero’s wedding. Margaret praises Hero’s dress and teases her about the wedding night. Margaret is unaware that her actions last night are about to cause Hero so much harm.

’Twill be heavier soon by the weight of a man.’ (Margaret, 3:4)

‘There thou prick’st her with a thistle.’ (Hero, 3:4)

Their relationship continues to be strong and Margaret’s name is cleared by Borachio. No one blames her for what happened and she joins Hero and the other women in Leonato’s plan.

‘But Margaret was in some fault for this, / Although against her will as it appears, / In the true course of all the question.’ (Leonato, 5:4)

In Act 2 Scene 2, Borachio tells Don John that Margaret likes him. However, he only seems interested in using her as part of a plot to shame her mistress, Hero.

‘I told your lordship a year since, how much I am in the favour of Margaret, the waiting gentlewoman to Hero.’ (Borachio, 2:2)

In Act 3 Scene 3, Borachio brags that he has used Margaret to ruin the wedding between Claudio and Hero and seems pleased with himself.

‘I have tonight wooed Margaret, the Lady Hero’s gentlewoman, by the name of Hero’. (Borachio, 3:3)

Borachio shows some genuine respect for Margaret when he confesses to his crimes in Act 5 Scene 1, admitting that she knew nothing about the plot or his intentions.

‘No by my soul she was not, / Nor knew not what she did when she spoke to me, / But always hath been just and virtuous / In anything that I do know by her.’ (Borachio, 5:1)

Their relationship is fairly strong at the start of the play. Borachio has supported Don John against his brother. Don John uses Borachio like a spy, taking useful information that he’s overheard.

‘I can give you intelligence of an intended marriage.’ (Borachio, 1:3)

‘Will it serve for any model to build mischief on?’ (Don John, 1:3)

Their relationship gets stronger when Borachio suggests a plan that will ruin all the people that Don John hates. Don John is thrilled and promises him a reward.

‘be cunning in the working this, and thy fee is a thousand ducats.’ (Don John, 2:2)

‘Be you constant in the accusation, and my cunning shall not shame me.’ (Borachio, 2:2)

Their relationship does not appear as strong in Act 3 Scene 1 when Borachio drunkenly brags about making money from his dealings with Don John.

‘when rich villains have need of poor ones, poor ones may make what price they will.’ (Borachio, 3:3)

Their relationship is shown to be weak in Act 4 Scene 2 when Borachio betrays Don John, calling him a ‘villain’. When Don John hears about Borachio’s arrest, he runs away.

‘This man said, sir, that Don John the prince’s brother was a villain.’ (Seacoal about Borachio, 4:2)

‘Prince John is this morning secretly stolen away’ (The Sexton to Seacoal, 4:2)

The relationship is destroyed at the end of the play. Borachio humbly confesses his crime but says Don John caused him to do it.

‘Don John your brother incensed me to slander the Lady Hero’ (Borachio, 5:4)