Aug 21, 2008

Much Ado About Nothing | Benedick (Character Analysis)

Benedick is a soldier returning from war. He is from Padua, a city in northern Italy and part of the Republic of Venice during the Italian Renaissance. He is the main male character in the play, even though his marriage is not the initial focus of the plot. Throughout the play, he displays his quick wit, loyalty, honorable nature, and his periodic lack of self-knowledge.

When the audience first hears a reference to Benedick, it is via Beatrice's scornfully posed question intended to conceal her interest: "I pray you, is Signior Mountanto returned from the wars or no?" (I.i.30-31)....