Beatrice is unmarried and lives with her uncle, Leonato, and cousin, Hero.

Signor Benedick is a bachelor from Padua. He is a soldier and companion of Don Pedro and Claudio.

Hero is the only child of Leonato, governor of Messina. She looks up to her cousin Beatrice.

Claudio is a soldier and companion of Don Pedro and Benedick. He has recently been honoured for bravery.

Leonato is the governor of Messina in Italy. He shares his house with his only child, Hero, and his niece, Beatrice.

Don Pedro is a prince and commander of the army. He has recently won a battle and has reconciled with his half-brother Don John.

Don John is Don Pedro’s half-brother. He recently reconciled with his brother but is very bitter.

Dogberry is the Chief Constable of the Watch in Messina. He takes his job very seriously.

Margaret is a waiting woman to Hero, along with Ursula, and works for Leonato.

Borachio, along with Conrad, is a follower of Don John.