Leonato has also been shown in a similar way to Claudio in this seen. The audience see Leonato to be the worst out of him and Claudio, due to Hero being his daughter and Leonato, quite disgustingly, openly attacks hero, mentally and almost physically. To begin with, he tries to play with the words said by Claudio, when this fails he starts to attack.
Don Pedro- who is seen to be “the good brother” by the audience- attacks Hero during this scene, but his attack is different to the rest of the characters criticism, he attacks her in order to protect his “dear friend” Claudio. Although he partakes in the argument, he does so in good reason. This is what makes him different from the group.
Don John- the bastard and “bad brother”- is exposed to be a nasty and selfish character during this scene. Initially he has attempted, and succeeded in destroying Hero’s wedding by accusing her of being unfaithful. Although he instigated this lie, he keeps mute for the best part of the scene.
This scene is very dramatic. Shakespeare uses dramatic irony throughout this scene; the audience knows that Don John has tricked Hero. Shakespeare cleverly uses a “shock factor” in this scene; the audience is appalled by Claudio’s behaviour towards the woman he apparently loves with all his heart, the audience is also shocked by the force and anger Claudio uses. This is the same for Leonato. Throughout this scene Shakespeare uses hyperbole for emphasis, this works effectively, when Leonato, in line 147, says “…. Hence from her, let her die.” No father would say that, it is just the use of hyperbole to put across his feelings.
