Much Ado About Nothing Acts 4 & 5
Probably my absolute two favorite characters in Shakespeare are Beatrice and Benedick. There's a certain realness to them as lovers that is different from all the other lovers in his plays. They are flawed, but not in the dramatic way that Othello and Desdemona are, rather they are relatable and human even. Beatrice's pride and witiness promotes the usage of defense mechanisms; likewise, Benedick also protects his heart in the same way. Personally, I see these two character traits as very normal and prominent among people today. I enjoy seeing their banter, all the while knowing that the mere effort exists because they have feelings for one another. Unlike many other characters who either fall in love all too easily, such as Claudio and Hero or Miranda and Ferdinand, Beatrice and Benedick seem like they truly fall for each other. Even when one removes the tricks posed upon them by their friends, I believe that they truly did already love each other. Their denial of marriage in the beginning, serves as a sign of self-protection against any harm. Their friends' actions of removing these walls only made their love for each be known, freely and without any harm of judgement. I see Benedick and Beatrice as the couple who grows old happily with each other; they may still banter with each and have personal pride, but the knowledge of their love for one another will aid them in having a happy marriage.
I also love the casting of Benedick and Beatrice in the 1993 version of Much Ado About Nothing. Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh truly capture the wit, banter, insecurity, and love that happens among the two characters.
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