Claudio is a Count from Florence who has gained much glory in the recent battle. He is Don Pedro’s right-hand man and falls in love with Hero when he sees her after a long absence at Leonato's house. He is very naïve, and finds it difficult to defend himself when Benedick criticises him for intending to marry. He is also gullible as he is easily fooled twice by Don John and Borachio, firstly into thinking that Don Pedro has wooed Hero for himself, and secondly, with more serious consequences, into believing that Hero has been disloyal. His public humiliation of Hero and his cruel refusal to marry her marks him out as a proud, angry and disturbing character. When he receives the news of Hero's innocence, however, he is full of guilt and is willing to accept any punishment that Leonato will give him to atone for his cruelty.
"war-thoughts have left their places vacant, in their rooms come thronging soft and delicate desires "
1.1.282-3
Title: A Lord of Florence
Sex: male
Some Audio Tracks
Hometown: Florence
Job: Soldier, serving under Don Pedro (Prince of Aragon)
Often called: "the right noble Claudio" or "the most exquisite Claudio" or "Monsieur love!".
Personal philosophy: "Friendship is constant in all other things, Save in the office and affairs of love. Therefore, all hearts in love use their own tongues: Let every eye negotiate for itself, and trust no agent; for Beauty is a witch against whose charms faith melteth into blood." (2.1.160-165)
Reputation on the battlefield: "He hath borne himself beyond the promise of his age, doing in the figure of a lamb the feats of a lion" (1.1.13-15)
