# Don John — Much Ado About Nothing character guide

> Don John in Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** John, Don John Signior, Exeunt Don John, Don John Fie, Don John Sir, Prince John

**First appearance:** 0004-act-i-scene-iii

## Snapshot

Don Pedro's sullen bastard brother, sick with resentment, who trades other people's happiness for the only sport his sour temper can stomach.

## Who they are

A brooding outsider in the victorious household at Messina, Don John wears his melancholy like a badge and his grudges like armor. He cannot strike at his brother directly, so he strikes at whatever his brother loves — beginning with Claudio's impending marriage to Hero. His whispered claim that Hero is disloyal sets the play's central mischief in motion, making him the quiet engine of every misunderstanding that follows.

## Relationships

### [Benedick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/much_ado_about_nothing_se/characters/benedick)

_rivalry_

Benedick distrusts Don John and openly mocks him, recognizing his villainous nature.

### [Beatrice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/much_ado_about_nothing_se/characters/beatrice)

_rivalry_

Beatrice is suspicious of Don John and opposes his schemes, aligning with those he seeks to harm.

### [Leonato](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/much_ado_about_nothing_se/characters/leonato)

_rivalry_

Don John resents Leonato's happiness and status, plotting to ruin his family's honor.

### [Borachio](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/much_ado_about_nothing_se/characters/borachio)

_professional_

Borachio is Don John's follower and accomplice, carrying out his malicious plots.

## In the story

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

Reveals his villainous nature and discontent; plots to disrupt Claudio's marriage.

### [Scene I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/much_ado_about_nothing_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-i)

Mentioned as having a melancholy disposition; appears masked at the ball.

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

Plots to thwart Claudio's marriage out of spite and displeasure.

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

Arrives and falsely accuses Hero of disloyalty, persuading Claudio and Don Pedro to spy on her chamber.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/much_ado_about_nothing_se/characters/don_john
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/much_ado_about_nothing_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/much_ado_about_nothing_se/characters