# Scene III explained — Much Ado About Nothing

> Chapter companion for Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Don John expresses his melancholy and discontent to Conrade, revealing his nature as a 'plain-dealing villain.' Borachio arrives with news of Claudio's intended marriage to Hero, which Don John seizes upon as an opportunity to cause mischief. He enlists Conrade and Borachio to assist him in thwarting the match.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Mistaken Identity

Don John's plot to deceive and disrupt the marriage introduces a central thread of deception.

### Honor and Shame

Don John's resentment stems from his perceived loss of honor and his desire to shame Claudio.

## Character check-ins

### Don John

Reveals his villainous nature and discontent; plots to disrupt Claudio's marriage.

### Conrade

Attempts to reason with Don John and pledges to assist him in his schemes.

### Borachio

Brings news of the intended marriage between Claudio and Hero, providing Don John with a basis for mischief.

## Key lines

> I had rather be a canker in a hedge than a rose in his grace, and it better fits my blood to be disdained of all than to fashion a carriage to rob love from any: in this, though I cannot be said to be a flattering honest man, it must not be denied but I am a plain-dealing villain.

Don John declares he would rather be a harmful weed than a favored flower under his brother's grace, preferring to be universally scorned than to pretend affection. He admits he is not an honest flatterer but an openly straightforward villain.

_Don John openly embraces his villainous identity, rejecting any pretense of virtue._

> That young start-up hath all the glory of my overthrow: if I can cross him any way, I bless myself every way.

Don John resents Claudio for taking the glory that he feels was rightfully his, and vows to consider himself fortunate if he can thwart Claudio in any manner.

_Don John's personal vendetta against Claudio motivates his plot._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/much_ado_about_nothing_se/chapters/act-i-scene-iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/much_ado_about_nothing_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/much_ado_about_nothing_se/chapters