Key plot details
- Benedick, Claudio and Don Pedro return from the war and arrive at Leonato's house.
- Benedick and Beatrice tease each other and Claudio falls in love with Hero.
- Don John and Borachio plot to deceive Claudio at the masked ball.
- Leonato, Don Pedro and Claudio trick Benedick into believing Beatrice loves him. A similar trick is played on Beatrice by Hero and Ursula.
- Don John tells Claudio his wife-to-be is unfaithful.
- Claudio refuses Hero at the altar. The friar advises Leonato to announce that his daughter is dead.
- Don Pedro and Claudio discover they were wrong about Hero. Claudio agrees to make amends by marrying Antonio's 'daughter' without seeing her.
- At the wedding Claudio is delighted to unveil his new bride and find Hero.
- Benedick and Beatrice agree to marry.