Beatrice

Leonato's niece, Hero's cousin. "Pleasant-spirited" with a sharp tongue. Often mocks others with wit and puns, Benedick's match (the two partake in battles of intellectuality and wit, and are both self-deceptive of their love for each other - the suspected romantic history between the two suggests why they are so content to never marry and explains their sparring). Beatrice’s pride gets in the way of admitting her folly in love, and she uses her wit as a defence. A strong female character = challenges roles and expectations of women in Shakespearian times (women expected to be quiet, obedient, speak when spoken to/on limited occasions). Feisty, cynical about marriage and love (to begin), witty, relentless. Opposite to Hero, but the two are close and loyal to one another. She appears hardened and sharp - she is afraid to be vulnerable. I personally find her the most endearing and fleshed out character.