How does Shakespeare make Benedick such a loveable hero? Support your answer by close reference to the play.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2010). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. The emphasis here is on personal response and good answers will be characterised by close engagement with the character.
2. Benedick is obviously loveable in his dealings with Beatrice; she always seems to get him on the back foot and though he tries to retain his composure with her, the way in which he falls for Don Pedro and Claudio's scheming and vows to be ‘horribly in love with her' is not only funny but very touching.
3. Not only does Benedick provide a lot of the comedy of the play and become a romantic hero, he is also the real hero in the way in which he supports Beatrice and Hero and is prepared to risk his life in a duel with Claudio.
4. His integrity and honesty are in sharp counterpoint to the less honourable qualities of the other male characters.