Beatrice

Living... with her uncle, Leonato, in sixteenth century Italy. While battles might be raging in the rest of the world, the island of Messina is an idyllic oasis for Don Pedro and his soldiers. Peaceful, that is, until Beatrice's cousin Hero is accused of adultery.

Profession… none, at the moment. As a well-bred lady from a good family, Beatrice doesn't have to worry about material concerns like food and clothing. Her only job, really, is to get married to a good (or at least wealthy) man. Right now though, Beatrice is cheerfully employed in tormenting Benedick, one of Don Pedro's close friends.    

Interests… making smart remarks and keeping Benedick on his toes. For quite some while now, Beatrice and Benedick have been engaged in a "merry war" of wits, and Beatrice is determined not to lose. When his name comes up, Beatrice is quick to Benedick as "the prince's jester: a very dull fool."  

Relationship Status… single, and thank God. Beatrice has no stomach for romance and, if given her choice, would happily stay single for the rest of her days. After all, why would Beatrice ever want "to make an account of her life to a clod of wayward marl?" Unbeknownst to her, however, plots are about to pair up Beatrice and Benedick.

Challenge… clearing Hero's good name. While Beatrice might take a light-hearted view towards the world, when Hero's fiancé accuses her of adultery, Beatrice is dead serious in defending her cousin. And if Benedick – the stupid fool who's supposedly in love with her – won't help her, then Beatrice will have to save Hero herself.

Personality… intelligent and independent. A clever, well-spoken woman, Beatrice is never shy about sharing what she thinks; when Claudio accuses Hero, she's one of the first to defend her cousin. Still, when it comes to romance, Beatrice might benefit by being a little less witty and a little more vulnerable.