The Character of Don John in Much Ado About Nothing Essay

In the play ‘Much ado about nothing’, Don John is a puppet whose strings are pulled by various characters and the society in which he lives. Although he does monkey businesses like every character in the play, he is the one who gets harshly judged and punished for it. His villainy is not an innate trait but rather, he chooses it to distinguish him from others. Don John is the illegitimate half brother of Don Pedro in the play. Don Pedro is the Prince of Aragon and is highly respected throughout the play, whereas Don John is treated with cautious attention and indifference. In Act one scene three, Leonato greets Don Pedro rather enthusiastically and respectfully, â€Å"Never came trouble in the likeness of your grace; for trouble†¦show more content†¦He even says that he prefers being hated rather than people feigning their emotions, because of his illegitimate blood, â€Å"It better fits my blood to be disdained of all than to fashion a carriage to rob love fr om any†(1.3.22-23). He labels himself a â€Å"plain-dealing villain† (1.3.25), which suggests his identification within the play, as he is a bastard born. His birth status automatically makes him untrustworthy, â€Å"I am trusted with a muzzle, and enfranchised with a clog. Therefore I have decreed not to sing in my cage. If I had my mouth I would bite†(1.3.2-28), and a villain without meaning to, so he’s content with calling himself a rogue. Don John completely trusts his confidants, Borachio and Conrad, as they are the only ones who seem to have faith in him. In the beginning, when Don John asks them â€Å"You are both sure and will assist me?† Conrad replies â€Å" To the death, my lord† (1.3.54-55). That line pretty much seals the deal and Don John makes them his confidantes. This is also because the rest of the society doesn’t trust him because of his illegitimacy and self-proclamation of being a villain. When Borachio comes with the news of an approaching marriage, Don John plans to create mischief for the wedding. But after he comes to know that Claudio is the one getting married, he shows off his animosity towards Claudio and hopes he can spoil the wedding, â€Å"Come, come let us thither. This may proveShow MoreRelated Much Ado About Nothing Essay: The Character of Don John1112 Words   |  5 PagesThe Character of Don John in Much Ado About Nothing  Ã‚     Ã‚   William Shakespeares Much Ado About Nothing is a comedy in which he uses one of his more peculiar villains. The antagonist in this play is Don John, the bastard brother of Don Pedro. In this paper I will discuss the role of Don John as well as his motives and the character himself. I will also delve into Shakespeares use of Don John as the antagonist. 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