Much Ado about Nothing Characters & Character Analysis

Much Ado about Nothing Characters

Antonio

Antonio is Leonato's brother. Antonio is described in the Dramatis Personae as an old man. Ursula mentions that he has a dry hand, a feature associated with old age just as a modern audience would associate wrinkles or liver spots with old age. He is a minor character, but his relationship to Leonato stands as a model of a good fraternal relationship, in contrast to that between Don Pedro and Don John.

He is an advisor and confidant to his brother. When a servant tells him of an overheard conversation between Don Pedro and Claudio, he relays the information to Leonato. He is present at Leonato's party and dances with one of Hero's gentlewomen. At the end of the play, he counsels patience to his brother and a moderating of his grief. Also, like a loyal brother and uncle, he utters defiant words to Don Pedro and Claudio. He...
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