Much Ado About Nothing Summary Act 1

Act 1 Scene 1

Leonato, a wealthy man in Messina are preparing to welcome his friends who is returning from a battle. His friends are Don Pedro which include Claudio,Don John 'The Bastard' and Benedick. Also welcoming Leonato's friends are his daughter Hero and her cousin Beatrice. While  Don Pedro is talking privately with Leonato, Benedick is actually "flirting" with Beatrice by arguing about their personality, intelligence and etc. After Benedick arguing with Beatrice, Claudio told him that he thinks he has a feeling for Hero, Benedick is just laughing and teasing Claudio.When Don Pedro ask what happened he was told that Claudio has a feeling with Hero, and thus he is willing to help Claudio by pretending to be him.

Act 1 Scene 2

Leonato was going inside his house when he was told that his brother Antonio overheard what was Don Pedro and Claudio was talking and he told Leonato that Don Pedro is in love with Hero, not Claudio. 

Act 1 Scene 3

Elsewhere,Conrad, Don John's servant  was asking why Don John is always looked sad and unhappy, he told him that it was because he is just jealous of Don Pedro.

Borachio enters and told Don John about the plan that Claudio and Don Pedro he overheard. But unlike Antonio, Borachio heard the truth and told everything to Don John. Don John, who hates Claudio will uses this information and try to make trouble for Claudio. He is also asking for Borachio and Conrad help who is willing to help him.