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Character Study
Group Discussion Questions
1. Beatrice is acknowledged by all literary critics to be the main female character of this play. In the space below, make a list of at least ten words which describe Beatrice’s personality and her character. Be very specific. Try to list any characteristics that are “hinted at” as well.
2. Benedict is usually considered the lead male character in this play. In the space below, make a list of at least ten words that describe Benedict’s personality and character.
3. The Prince is a supporting character but an important one.
A) What kind of man is he? B) Do you think he acts wisely in this play? C) Why or why not?
4. Beatrice and Benedict show great antagonism toward each other at the beginning of the play. A) Discuss whether you think this antagonism is real or pretended, and explain why you think so
… B) How is this antagonism different from the antagonism that we
saw between Katherine and Petruccio in The Taming of the Shrew?
5. Describe Hero and Claudio. How are they very different from Beatrice and Benedict?
6. Do both romantic pairs seem equally realistic to you? Why or why not? If one pair is more realistic than the other explain why.
7. The names of Don John’s servants are Borachio and Conrad. Describe how they help Don John to.discredit Hero.
8. Describe Hero’s Maid, Margaret. Do you think she is governed by her mind or her passions.
Tell me why do you think so (In other words, defend your answer).
9. Describe Hero’s father, Leonato. What do you think about his attitude toward his daughter ….after the revelation of her supposed betrayal? Do you think that his response was justified? Does the fact that this happened in another century justify Leonato’s reaction?
10. Don Pedro is always fixing things or setting things up in this play. List two things he attempts to “fix.” Do you think that because Don Pedro is the Prince that he feels that he has the right to meddle? Would Princes in earlier time periods have had that type of right?
11. How are the actions of the Prince’s brother, Don John, a direct contrast to Don Pedro’s actions? What do their actions have in common? Do you think that Shakespeare is purposely using Don Pedro and Don John as symbols of the forces of good and evil in this play?
12. The visual scene showing Hero’s maid at the window with a man was added to the film version we viewed. Do you think that seeing this scene instead of just hearing it recounted makes the gullibility of Don Pedro and Claudio more believable?
13. Does Claudio behave honorably toward Hero when he learns of her disgrace? Literary comparison: Does anyone in your group know how Joseph in the Matthew 1:19 in the Bible reacted when he heard that his fiancé Mary was with child? What did Joseph plan to do? (If no one in your group knows, you get to ask another group! )
14. Although Hero is not with child in the play, is she similarly disgraced in her own culture? Why or why not? Could Claudio have behaved differently? Do you think Claudio’s actions were justified?
15. Shakespeare’s characters often plan, plot and scheme. What does the Friar in this play suggest be done after Hero is dishonored on her wedding day?
16. As the scene of Hero’s disgrace ends, does this still feel as if you are watching a comedy or has it turned almost tragic? Do you feel sympathy for any of the characters at this point, and if so, for which ones? Why? (Or Why not?)
17. Although his primary purpose is never didactic (to teach),
Shakespeare frequently teaches his audience many things about life. How we respond to gossip is explored in this play. In the space below, describe the way in which each of the listed characters who hears gossip (or lies!) reacts.
Claudio: a) the lies about Don Pedro wanting Hero
b) the lies about Hero betraying him
Don Pedro: the lies about Hero betraying Claudio
Beatrice: a) the gossip about Benedick loving her
b) the lies about Hero
Benedick: a) the gossip about Beatrice loving him
b) the lies about Hero
Leonato: (Hero’s father) the lies about Hero
18. Do you think the reaction of these characters to gossip is typical of normal human behavior? If so, why? If not, why not?