Leonato is the Governor of Messina and the play is mostly set in his house. He is hospitable and welcoming to Don Pedro and his soldiers, holding a ball in their honour, and he cordially accepts Don John, Don Pedro’s troublesome illegitimate brother, into his household. Leonato is very liberal and amused by his niece, Beatrice and conspires with Don Pedro and Claudio to trick her and Benedick into falling in love with each other. Leonato appears to be a loving father to Hero, but his immediate rejection of her on her wedding day when Claudio accuses her of infidelity displays a darker side to his character.
"Hath no man's dagger here a point for me?"
4.1.109
Title: Governor of Messina
Sex: male
Some Audio Tracks
Hometown: Messina
Job: Governor of Messina, Father to Hero and Uncle to Beatrice.
Often called: Good Signor Leonato
About me: "Being that I flow in grief, The smallest twine may lead me." (4.1.249-250)
Personal philosophy: "Bring me a father that so loved his child, Whose joy of her is overwhelmed like mine, And bid him speak of patience." (5.1.8-10)
