Aug 30, 2008

Much Ado About Nothing | Beatrice (Character Analysis)

Beatrice is the play's witty heroine. Much of her memorable character is original with Shakespeare rather than found in plot sources. She is mainly noted for her firm opposition to marriage and for her verbal dueling with Benedick. Her first comment is a question directed to the messenger about Benedick's welfare. Her asking a series of questions about him reveals an interest which she herself may be unaware of. Also, once Benedick and the other soldiers arrive, Beatrice makes a comment at the end of their first exchange of wit warfare that indicates that perhaps they knew each other before...