Near the beginning of Much Ado About Nothing, Hero is a quiet lady who simplygoes with the flow of things.? She is obviously attracted to Claudio, but when Don Pedro asks her to be his wife, she agrees. Hero is overjoyed to find that Don Pedro was actually proposing for Claudio. Don John, Don Pedro's bastard brother, plots to disrupt the wedding of Claudio and Hero by making his follower, Borachio, pose in a window with Margaret. Borachio was told by Don John to call Margaret by the name of Hero and to make her wear Hero's clothes. Margaret has no idea what is going on, and she just assumes that Borachio wants to love her as deeply as Claudio loves Hero. Don John makes sure that Claudio and Don Pedro hear Borachio and Margaret talking in the window. They both think that it is Hero cheating with a different man. Claudio is outraged, and he confronts Hero the next day, to say that their marriage plans are cancelled. At the wedding scene, he insults her repeatedly, causing Hero to swoon in a ladylike faint. Claudio, Don Pedro, and Don John march away, leaving the unconscious Hero with Leonato, Beatrice, Benedick, and Friar Francis. When Hero wakes up, Friar Francis devises a plan to make Claudio feel guilty. He suggests that they spread the word that Hero died from a broken heart. This rumor circulates quickly, takes its toll, and causes Claudio to feel dreadful. Leonato suggests that he marry Hero's cousin. Despite his grief, Claudio agrees, even though he has never met or seen the woman. During the wedding ceremonies, the cousin appears wearing a mask. After a little while, she reveals herself as the very much alive and well Hero. Claudio is thrilled to see Hero again. He forgives her for herinfidelities? at the window and implores her to reaccept him as her husband. She happily agrees to his latest proposal. Hero becomes more self-assured and mature towards the conclusion of the play.
