# Barnardine — Measure for Measure character guide

> Barnardine in Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Pompey Master Barnardine, Master Barnardine, Barnardine Friar, this Barnardine

**First appearance:** 0016-act-iv-scene-ii

## Who they are

A drunken prisoner who refuses to be executed on schedule.

## Relationships

### [Abhorson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/measure_for_measure_se/characters/abhorson)

_professional_

Abhorson is the executioner assigned to execute the condemned prisoner Barnardine.

### [Abhorson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/measure_for_measure_se/characters/abhorson)

_professional_

Abhorson is the executioner assigned to execute the condemned prisoner Barnardine.

## In the story

### [Scene II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/measure_for_measure_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-ii)

A condemned murderer who is deeply asleep and indifferent to death; the Duke plans to substitute his head for Claudio's.

### [Scene III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/measure_for_measure_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-iii)

Refuses to be executed, claiming he is unprepared after a night of drinking.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/measure_for_measure_se/characters/barnardine
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/measure_for_measure_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/measure_for_measure_se/characters