Claudio

Friend of Don Pedro and of Benedick. A young Count from Florence, who has distinguished himself as a soldier under Don Pedro. Falls in love with Hero at his first glance of her upon his return to Messina - though he has seen her before, he paid her no attention as he was preparing for war. Upon hearing of how highly he is praised, he weeps - this is an introduction to the immaturity that will characterize Claudio for the rest of the play (his passionate feelings, and the enthusiasm with which he gives himself up to his emotions, are as marked as his immaturity). His suspicious nature and the fact that he is easily manipulated makes him quick to believe evil and false rumours and hasty to take revenge. Naïve, young, lacks insight. He enables the play's central plot (his and Hero's wedding). Prone to youthful idiocy.