This scene begins in Messina, Italy, in front of Leonato’s house with Leonato, Hero, Beatrice and a messenger. Claudio gets introduced as a young soldier that has just been honored by Don Pedro in the recent war. Despite his young age, his behavior was much better than expected. We also learn that Beatrice, Leonato’s niece, and Benedick, a noble soldier have always had verbal conflict with each other whenever they are in each others presence. “There is a kind of merry war betwixt Signor Benedick and her; they never meet but there’s a skirmish of wit between them” (1,1,43-45)
Soon Don Pedro, Don John the bastard, Claudio, Benedick and Balthasar enter the room. Not long after Benedick started talking, Beatrice interrupts and they start to have their verbal wars. Don Pedro stops their argument and tells Claudio and Benedick that Leonato had invited them to stay in Messina for a month, and if not longer. Leonato invites Don John as well. Everyone leaves except Benedick and Claudio.
Claudio asks Benedick for his opinion about Hero, but Benedick just teases him, thinking that Claudio’s joking around. Claudio admits that even if he swears he’ll never marry, as long as Hero won’t mind, he would break that promise. “I would scarce trust myself, though I had sworn the contrary, if Hero would be my wife.” (1,1,138-139) Don Pedro enters again and joins their conversation. Benedick tell Don Pedro that Claudio is in love with Hero and wants to marry her. The conversation continues on how Benedick says he will remain a bachelor. “I will do myself the right to trust none; and the fine is, for the which I may go the finer, I will live a bachelor.” (1,1,172-173)
Don Pedro said he’d help Claudio by talking to Hero’s father and is going to convince Leonato to promise Hero to Claudio. At the upcoming party Don Pedro is planning on wearing a mask and disguising himself as Claudio to talk to Hero and win her heart. Antonio’s