Leonato: The Father Who Fails
First appears: Act 1, Scene 1
Leonato is Hero's father and Governor of Messina, and when Claudio accuses his daughter at the altar, he believes it and says so loudly. His speech about wishing Hero dead is one of the play's most painful moments, made worse because he is supposed to be her protector.
Beatrice is his niece, and the contrast is pointed. Where Beatrice immediately stands by Hero, Leonato collapses into shame. He recovers. By Act 5 he is confronting Claudio and demanding satisfaction. But the damage to his character is done.
Shakespeare makes him partly sympathetic. He is a public figure, and in his world, Hero's reputation is also his. That does not excuse what he says at the altar.
Key Scenes
Famous Quotes
“Do not live, Hero; do not ope thine eyes.”
Leonato — Act 4, Scene 1
“Bring me a father that so loved his child, whose joy of her is overwhelmed like mine, and bid him speak of patience.”
Leonato — Act 5, Scene 1
Themes
Other Characters in Much Ado About Nothing
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