Characters:

• BENEDICK (late 20s-50s)- confirmed bachelor and right-hand man to THE PRINCE, DON PEDRO. Real wise ass who, while smart, is often made a fool. Especially by BEATRICE, with whom he has a prior history. That said, he is fiercely loyal to the people he loves, and becomes torn when they come into conflict with each other.

• BEATRICE (late 20s-50s)- one charming, smartass lady. She is committed to remaining single, with a deep skepticism in love's institutions; but she and BENEDICK may be in love before the show even begins. While she feels deep pain off and on throughout the show, she is described by those who love her, and those who barely know her, as "the happiest person they have ever known."

• HERO (20s)- An ingenue-type character, HERO has little say in the events of which she is the central figure. Though she and CLAUDIO fall in love instantly, her father and THE PRINCE must first approve the marriage. When she is later humiliated and accused of an affair, she is dismissed by LEONATO, THE PRINCE, and even CLAUDIO, without giving her side of the story. Though she forgives them all in the end, it's easy to imagine HERO's pain and anger.

• CLAUDIO (20s)- A kind of little brother to BENEDICK and THE PRINCE. In the context of our show, he may have an excellent mind for business, but his inexperience in all other aspects of life makes him gullible and quick to temper. DON JOHN takes advantage of this multiple times, tricking Claudio throughout the show. Despite this, Claudio should be lovable, and we should understand why HERO is so into him.

• DON PEDRO aka THE PRINCE- 20s-50s, is a lover of love and takes personal responsibility for the happiness of his friends. In the social hierarchy of the characters, no one is above him. Despite this, he displays compassion and little ego, illustrated by his forgiveness of his brother, DON JOHN, for an unnamed betrayal prior to the show.

• LEONATO- 40s or over, is the head of the household and your host for the weekend. While he starts off as a kind, jovial host and father, he has a great deal of pride and places great importance on societal expectations.

• DON JOHN aka THE BASTARD- 20s-30s, is the villain of the show. Before we begin, he has just taken on his brother, DON PEDRO aka PRINCE, and lost in some type of "war." This likely means some kind of hostile company takeover. He will do anything to interrupt the happiness around him.

• ANTONIO- 40s or over, is the chill, kindly, possibly drunk uncle (or aunt). While there is a certain foolishness to them, our version of the character is an ordained minister (taking on the Friar's lines) and the first person to come to HERO's defense besides BEATRICE.

• DOGBERRY- 30s-70s, is the chief of local law enforcement. Most of his lines contain malaprops, meaning he mistakes words for similar-sounding words. He is an idiot and should absolutely not be in any position of power.

• MARGARET- 20s, HERO's maid and closest friend, besides BEATRICE. She is unknowingly used by her "friend with benefits," BORACHIO and DON JOHN, to trick CLAUDIO and DON PEDRO into believing HERO was having an affair.

• URSULA- 30s or over, another of HERO's maids. Gets involved in getting BENNY and BEA together.

• VERGES- 40s or over, DOGBERRY's right-hand man on the watch.

• GEORGE SEACOLE- 20s, an intelligent watchman who is studying to advance in law enforcement.

• HUGH OATCAKE- a less intelligent watchman.

• FIRST WATCHMAN- Bill didn't give him a name, so I won't give him a description.