The friar is instructed by Leonato to make the marriage ceremony very quick. When the Friar asks for a reason why they shouldn’t marry, Claudio accuses Hero of infidelity which she then denies vehemently. Claudio says that he saw someone at her window and is backed up by Don Pedro. 

Leonato believes this about her and prays for her death. Beatrice maintains that she is innocent and Benedick wants to believe her. The Friar implies that Don Pedro and Claudio are mistaken and that Hero should be hidden away and be believed dead. Benedick believes Don John is responsible and everyone hopes that Claudio with repent and return to her. 

Benedick and Beatrice when left alone profess their love for one another and Beatrice convinces Benedick to challenge Claudio. 

 

Act Four, Scene 2:

Dogberry and his men prepare to interrogate the prisoners and they get a bit of a picture about the evenings events. George Seacoal gives evidence saying he overhead them discussing the promise of a rich reward from Don John if it was a success.

The sexton tells the them that Don John is gone and Hero is dead. He then orders the men taken to Leonato for judgment and Dogberry is insulted by Conrade and takes offence. 

Beatrice hides so she can eavesdrop on the other girls, hears that Benedick loves her and that Don Pedro and Claudio believe they mustn’t tell her because Benedick could be subjected to Beatrice’s ridicule. 

Hero determines that Benedick must fight against his love for Beatrice and outlines his virtues and high societal status among them. Beatrice is overcome by this news that she comes out of her hiding place, determines to change her ways to return his affection.

Scene 2
After the wedding Don Pedro announces that he and Benedick will leave Messina. Benedick announces that he is a reformed man, as shown by his shaven beard. Claudio points out to Don Pedro that Beatrice heard the girl’s conversation.

Don John arrives and finds his brother before announcing that Hero has been disloyal to Claudio. Claudio is shocked but dismisses this. Don John asks both Claudio and Don Pedro to join him at Hero’s window, so they can see for themselves. Claudio decides that if this is true, then hero should be publicly shamed.

Scene 3
Borachio and Conrade discuss the evening plan, unaware of the eavesdropping watch men. It is explained that Borachio intends to embrace Margret – who is posing as Hero – in front of both Don Pedro and Claudio to bring shame upon Hero. Borachio also talks about the reward that Don John has offered to give him if the plan is a success. This deception leads to the other watchmen arresting both Borachio and Conrade.

Scene 4
 

Hero sends Ursula for Beatrice as Hero prepares for her wedding. Hero scolds Margaret for criticising Hero’s wedding attire. Beatrice complains that she is feeling sick, and Margret teases that it is a cover for the fact that Beatrice is in love. The men come take Hero to church. 
 
Scene 5
 

Leonato is stopped on his way to the wedding by Dogberry and Verges, and they tell him about the men they arrested. In a long and complex explanation, they eventually as Leonato for a hearing. Tired because of their explanation, Leonato tells them to take the men’s statements, and that he’ll deal with them after the wedding. 

Act 1 Scene 1: 

.lenato, Governor of messina, received news that Don Pedro of Aragan will arrive soon. Don Pedro and his followers are returning from defeating a rebellion by Don Pedro’s brother, Don John.  The messenger also tells Leonato that Florentine called Claudio has excelled in his military duties and is in the favor of both Don Pedro and Benedick of Padua.  

.Leonato’s niece, Beatrice, is keen to know of Benedick’s fate.  Beatrice’s nasty remarks about Benedick imply she dislikes him.  However, the messenger reports that Benedick has performed well in the battle and is now one of Claudio’s companions. 

.Soon after, Don Pedro arrived with Claudio, Benedick, Don John and other soldiers.  Leonato invites the men to stay at his with him for the coming month. 

.The stage is cleared but for Benedick and Beatrice who stay. at this point that the ‘merry war’ between the two – so central to the narrative of the play – is first witnessed by the audience. Both trade insults and taunts with each other. 

.The scene concludes with the revelation that Claudio looks to find Hero for his wife.  He talks to Benedick who hates the idea of marriage.  In turn, he attempts to dissuade Claudio by insulting Hero.  

 .hearing the news, Don Pedro encourages Claudio and promises that he will approach both Hero and her father during the celebrations that evening. 

Act 1 Scene 2: 

.In this brief scene, Antonio talks to Leonato, that Don Pedro is in love with Hero and explains that he intends to approach her during the evening’s dance.  

Act 1 Scene 3: 

.Don John grieves his position in life.  He is not the real brother of the celebrated Don Pedro; recently defeated in his military endeavors and without the habits to conform to the strict social propriety of Messina. 

.Borachio arrives and announces that he heard the conversation between Don Pedro and Claudio. 

.Don John detects an opportunity to inflict his misery upon others, and against the two people who symbolize that which he cannot be: Don Pedro – the celebrated military hero – and Claudio – the youthful quality of strength and full of energy. Don John expresses his desire to poison the guests.