Much Ado About Nothing Don John Character Analysis Essay Example

Many people have motivations and behaviors that often determine the course of their life. Similarly, the beliefs and behaviors of characters influence the outcome of stories. William Shakespeare was a well-known playwright who wrote many famous pieces of literature such as Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet. In one of Shakespeare’s plays Much Ado About Nothing, two characters, Hero and Claudio, fall in love, while Don John, the antagonist, tries to ruin their marriage. In the comedy, Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare, the character Don John directly affects the plot of the story because of his behaviors and motivations.

When Don John is first introduced, he is seen as a selfish character who will do anything to ensure he is pleased with his life. Don John clearly explains that he will live according to his own rules and won't follow society’s standards. “Though I am not a flattering, righteous man, at least you can say that I am honest about being a villain” (I, iii, 22). Don John clearly shows that he doesn’t care for others’ opinions and even claims that he is a “villain.” He proves that he will do whatever he wants to make himself happy. It helps the reader infer that Don John will be one of the characters who will help drive the story forward.

Throughout the play, Don John tries to ruin Claudio’s marriage. He abhors Claudio and finds happiness in Claudio’s misery. Don John states, “If there is any way I can spoil his life, I’ll be overjoyed” (I, iii, 51). Shakespeare illustrates how much Don John hates Claudio by showing that in any way Don John can, he will ruin Claudio’s life. Don John’s only motivation is to keep himself happy, so he ruins Claudio’s life for that sole purpose.

Not only does Don John ruin Claudio’s life, but in the process, he also ruins Hero’s life. He increases conflict and causes others’ lives to fall apart. “I came here to tell you– I’ll make this short since she’s already been talked about for too long– the lady is unfaithful” (III, iii, 127). Don John wrecks Hero’s life to gain happiness himself. Hero was supposed to marry Claudio and they might have lived a good life together. However, Don John stepped in and caused drastic changes in their life.

Overall Don John was a vital character in the plot of Much Ado About Nothing. His need to please himself allowed the conflict to form and ensured that there was an eventful plot. It is possible that without Don John the plot of the play would not have existed. Don John ruins Hero and Claudio’s life because he believed it would make him feel content with his. Don John’s actions put into perspective how everyone's outcome in life is based upon what behaviors and motivations they have and makes you wonder how life could have been different, or how certain situations would have turned out had you behaved or thought differently.