Don John

Don Pedro's bastard half-brother. He is the villain of the play, both in his behaviour and in his position as an illegitimate son - he creates a dark scheme to ruin the happiness of Claudio and Hero. Melancholy and sullen by nature. Envious, has little power because of his place in society/his background. Jealous of his socially and politically powerful half-brother. Influences action of the play, he has very few speaking lines for a main character. A plot-device more than a fully fleshed out character. He’s not Shakespeare’s most compelling and complex villain, but it’s a reminder to the reader that the play isn’t supposed to be a tragedy. Sulky, spiteful but honest.  “If you swear, my Lord, you shall not be forsworn” (I.1.124) - Leonato questions Don John’s loyalty to Don Pedro. This shows that immediately the characters regard him with suspicion, due to his position as a bastard. “I am not of many words, but I thank you” (I.1.127) - Don John acknowledges society’s perpetual distrust of him, giving an aloof reply. An outcast/outsider. He feels that in acting the part of a villain, he fulfills a role delegated to him by his own blood. Remote.