Much Ado About Nothing
| Much Ado About Nothing | |
|---|---|
The title page from the first quarto edition of Much Adoe About Nothing, printed in 1600 | |
| Written by | William Shakespeare |
| Characters | Antonio Balthasar Beatrice Benedick Borachio Claudio Conrade Dogberry Don John Don Pedro Friar Frances Hero Innogen Leonato Margaret Ursula Verges |
| Date premiered | 1600 |
| Original language | Early Modern English |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Setting | Messina, Italy |
Much Ado About Nothing is a comedy by William Shakespeare thought to have been written in 1598 and 1599. The play was included in the First Folio, published in 1623.
The play is set in Messina and revolves around two romantic pairings that emerge when a group of soldiers arrive in the town. The first, between Claudio and Hero, is nearly scuppered by the accusations of the villain, Don John. The second, between Claudio's friend Benedick and Hero's cousin Beatrice, takes centre stage as the play continues, with both characters' wit and banter providing much of the humour.
Through "noting" (sounding like "nothing" and meaning gossip, rumour, overhearing), Benedick and Beatrice are tricked into confessing their love for each other, and Claudio is tricked into believing that Hero is not a maiden (virgin). The title's play on words references the secrets and trickery that form the backbone of the play's comedy, intrigue, and action.