Don John In William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing

William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing is a comedic play revolving around love with deceptive underlying schemes. One character, Don John, may initially be viewed as nothing more than a background character; however, when given more thought, the reader is able to confidently see how John’s role is essential to the plot. Despite being only in a small number of scenes, his scheme and motivation assist the reader in coming to the conclusion that John is, indeed, one that cannot be trusted. Throughout the play Much Ado About Nothing Shakespeare develops Don John as a villain by presenting him as truly deceitful, surprisingly influential, and exceptionally villainous. Right away Shakespeare informs the reader about a lack of trust everyone seems to have with Don John, including his brother. Don Pedro does not trust his brother John in the slightest; although there are no reasons given, the idea that John must be so corrupt to have even his family wary of his trustworthiness, is planted in the reader’s mind.

From the moment John brought up the mere idea of messing around with Claudio and Hero’s love life, Borachio was on board; “We’ll wait upon your lordship” (Shakespeare 1.3.67). No persuading is needed to get Borachio’s help in deceiving Claudio. Not only does Borachio jump at the opportunity to help his friend, but also contributes immensely to the scheme. He reminds John that he is quite fond of Margaret, Hero’s waiting gentlewoman, and hatches the plan, “[Claudio and Pedro will] see me at her [Hero’s] chamber window, hear me call Margaret Hero, hear Margaret term me Claudio; and bring them to see this the very night before the intended wedding” (2.1.39-41); tricking both Pedro and Claudio into thinking Hero is no longer a maid therefore ruining the chances of their