Don Pedro

The Prince of Arragon, the leader of Benedick and Claudio, a friend of Leonato, the half-brother of Don John the Bastard. Lover to no one. The most politically and socially powerful character in the play. Intelligent, loyal and mature. The enabler that sweet talks Hero secretly on Claudio’s behalf, and the mastermind of the plot to trick Benedick and Beatrice into loving each other. However, Don Pedro also falls into Don John’s scheme when his brother suggests that Don Pedro’s honor and credibility have been compromised through forming dishonorable match between Claudio and Hero. Honourable, wise. Notices Beatrice’s quick wit, proposes marriage to her. When she shrugs him off, rather than sulking or becoming self-pitiful, sets up a scheme to get Beatrice a deserving husband. Alone, analytical. At the end, Don Pedro is the only high-status bachelor, and though it’s a source of fun for Benedick, it’s one of the play’s loose ends that is actually pretty sad. Don Pedro is the closest thing the play has to a tragic character. Keeps order and resolves everyone's problems through his intellect. People look to him for guidance.