Much Ado About Nothing is a drama written by William Shakespeare in 1958, it is one of his most outstanding comedy. It combines two separate stories which take place in Messina into one plot. Benedick is one of the leading heroes, who is also Shakespeare's most famously witty character; his changes in character are dramatic throughout the play. The changes are accompanied by the change in his relationship with Beatrice, as they move from 'skirmish of wit' to become lovers. This essay will investigate the development of Benedick's character through each act of the play.
             In Act I, Benedick claims to scorn love and is constantly quarrelling with Beatrice. He appears almost as a comic character, acting as if the most important part of his character is his wit. He starts "merry- war" of wits with Beatrice whenever they meet. For instance, when Benedick calls Beatrice a "rare parrot-teacher," Beatrice responds, "A bird of my tongue is better than a beast of yours" (I.i.114). Benedick continues the reference to animals in his response, saying, "I would my horse had the speed of your tongue" (I.i.115). Moreover, Benedick has exhibited a kind of macho pride in being bachelors. As Benedick says to Beatrice, "And I would I could find it in my heart that I had not a hard heart, for truly I love none" (I.i.112–115). His disdain for marriage arises again when he realizes that Claudio is contemplating asking Hero for her hand in marriage. Benedick alone swears that he "will live a bachelor" (I.i.224). It is because he thinks that women are not trustworthy which will turn him into a cuckold: "Because I will not do them the wrong to mistrust any, I will do myself the right to trust none" (I.i.221-223) which as well reveals his loyalty. There is a suggestion from Beatrice that the two have been in a relationship before: "You always end with a jades trick, I know you...