**Don Pedro:**The visiting prince of Aragon, a half-brother of Don John, and close companion of Claudio and Benedick.
Don John: The illegitimate half-brother of Don Pedro.
Claudio: A young man from Florence, Claudio is a friend of Don Pedro and Benedick.
**Benedick:**A young man from Padua and friend of Don Pedro and Claudio.
**Leonato:**The governor of Messina, father of Hero, and uncle of Beatrice.
**Antonio:**The brother of Leonato and the uncle of Hero and Beatrice.
**Balthasar:**A musician employed by Don Pedro.
Borachio: A follower of Don John.
Conrade: Another follower of Don John.
Friar Francis: A priest.
Dogberry: A constable.
**Verges:**A headborough and companion of Dogberry.
**Hero:**The only daughter of Leonato and cousin and constant companion of Beatrice.
Beatrice: The niece of Leonato and cousin and confidant of Hero.
Margaret: Gentlewoman waiting on Hero.
Ursula: Gentlewoman waiting on Hero.
