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Act 1, Scene 1

• As this scene opens, the Governor of Messina, Leonato, his niece Beatrice, and his daughter Hero are speaking with a messenger.

• Leonato questions the messenger about the battle, learning that a young lord of Florence named Claudio has earned praise for his part in the battle.

• Beatrice asks the messenger about Benedick, a lord of Padua whom she has met before. Upon finding out that he survived the battle, she says she does not like him.

• Beatrice persists, accusing Benedick of disloyalty to his friends and comrades. The messenger notes that he would not like to be her enemy.
• Don Pedro, Claudio, Benedick, Balthasar (a singer) and Don John enter the scene. Don Pedro and Leonato exchange pleasantries.

• Benedick and Beatrice engage in banter, and Beatrice makes it clear she does not care for Benedick. Benedick mocks her bitterness and quick tongue.

• Don Pedro announces his...

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