Don Pedro: the Wingman The archetype of the wingman can be described as someone who is loyal to their friend and with good intentions, plots ways to assist their friend in winning over a love interest. Though the Prince, Don Pedro, is usually the archetype of the wingman, in Act 3, Scene 2, he deviates from this archetype after being informed that Hero, Claudio’s fiance, is suspected of being disloyal and joins in on Don John’s plot to disgrace her.
In Act 2 Scene 1, Don Pedro acts as the wingman to help Claudio win over Hero, but Don John tricks Claudio into believing that Don Pedro successfully wooed Hero for himself. Don Pedro later resolves the misunderstanding with Claudio by explaining, “Here, Claudio, I have wooed in thy name and fair
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Name the day of marriage, and God give thee joy” (2.1.292-295). In the play, Don Pedro’s actions are in contrast to that of Don John who claimed Don Pedro was attempting to woo Hero for himself. When Don Pedro reveals to Claudio that his plan to win Hero over was successful, coupled with the words, “I have wooed in thy name,” Don Pedro clarifies that his intention to woo Hero by pretending to be Claudio was solely to bring Claudio and Hero together. Shakespeare’s use of contrast between the two brother’s actions emphasizes both Don John’s wickedness and Don Pedro’s good intentions and loyalty to Claudio, fitting the criteria of a wingman. Furthermore, Don Pedro takes pride in his matchmaking skills and plotting, demonstrating that he recognizes himself as Claudio’s wingman. The words “here, Claudio” are prideful and satisfactory, akin to Don Pedro showing off a successful catch. In this case, he is prideful of his ability to plot and act as a wingman to Claudio. Moreover, through the words “name the day of marriage” and “God give thee joy” he expresses excitement for Claudio’s marriage, invoking religious approval to show his matchmaking skills have brought together a good marriage. Although Don Pedro initially believes that Claudio and Hero are a good match, in Act 3, Scene 2, Don Pedro no longer