Count Don John is the illegitimate brother of Don Pedro and the villain of the play. He has recently opposed his brother and appears to have been a cause of the recent battle, but he has been forgiven and is now one of his brother's men. However, he is full of bitterness and resents having to hide his real feelings. With the help of his henchman, he plots to make trouble for his brother's right hand man, Claudio, and succeeds when Claudio shames and humiliates Hero on their wedding day. He flees from Messina shortly after this event, but is caught and brought back to face Don Pedro's punishment.
"I am a plain-dealing villain"
1.3.29-30
Title: Illegitimate brother to Don Pedro
Sex: male
Some Audio Tracks
Hometown: Aragon
Job: Soldier
Often called: "John the bastard"
About me: “I cannot hide what I am. I must be sad when I have cause, and smile at no man’s jests; eat when I have stomach, and wait for no man’s leisure; sleep when I am drowsy, and tend on no man’s business; laugh when I am merry, and claw no man in his humour.” (1.3.12-17)
Personal philosophy: “I am trusted with a muzzle and enfranchised with a clog. Therefore I have decreed not to sing in my cage. If I had my mouth I would bite; if I had my liberty I would do my liking. In the meantime, let me be that I am and seek not to alter me.” (1.3.30-34)
