Measure for Measure · Character

Claudio

Isabella's brother, arrested and sentenced to death for impregnating Juliet, whose life becomes the bargaining chip everyone else argues over.

major

Also known as Claudio Fellow, Claudio The prenzie Angelo, Exit Claudio, Claudio Sweet sister, Claudio Perpetual durance, Enter Claudio, First Gentleman Claudio

First appearance: Scene II

As a major figure in Measure for Measure, Claudio is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Arrested and led to prison; explains his 'true contract' with Julietta and the harsh enforcement of old laws by Angelo.

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Claudio has done what half of Vienna has done quietly for years — slept with the woman he intends to marry — but Angelo picks his case to make an example. From his cell he sends Lucio to fetch Isabella, pinning his last hope on her ability to soften the deputy. He is less a man of action than a man acted upon, and his fear of dying becomes one of the play's sharpest tests of what love and honor are worth.

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See Claudio in Scene II

Character Web

16 connections

A slice of how Claudio sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Central characters
Protagonist

+11 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This scene is the dramatic climax because the Duke, now in his own habit, shifts from passive observer to acti…

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In the story

Claudio appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Scene II
Arrested and led to prison; explains his 'true contract' with Julietta and the harsh enforcement of old laws by Angelo.
Scene IV
Claudio is mentioned as Isabella's brother, imprisoned and sentenced to death for impregnating Juliet.
Scene IV
Referenced as the condemned brother whose life hangs in the balance; Isabella believes he would rather die than see her dishonored.
Scene I
Imprisoned and sentenced to death; initially resolved to die, but later pleads with Isabella to save him, showing fear of death.
Scene II
Claudio is mentioned as being condemned to die for impregnating Juliet. The disguised Duke has visited him and reports that Claudio is now resolved to die.
Scene II
Awaiting execution at dawn, he is informed of the warrant and expresses resignation, while the Duke plans to save him.

Chapter companion notes

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See Claudio in Scene II