Benedick

The other protagonist and love interest in “Much Ado About Nothing.” As a male counterpart to Beatrice, Benedick is also witty and his verbal sparring with Beatrice is what makes the play so enjoyable. He is tricked into thinking Beatrice is in love with him, and instantly returns her feelings. Benedick is an alternate spelling of Benedict, a name mainly used in English speaking countries and by those who practice the Roman Catholic faith. This name is very common among Popes and was also the name of the Saint who began the Christian monastic order.