In the Italian town of Messina, Leonato, Hero and Beatrice prepares to welcome back some of their soldier friends from war. Their friends are Don Pedro and Claudio. When Don Pedro had arrived at Leonato's house with Claudio, Don John and Benedick they were joyfully welcomed. Beatrice and Benedick mocked each other, both of them always carry on a "merry war" every time they meet. Don Pedro then tells Benedick, Claudio and Don John that Leonato had invited them all to stay with him for a month. After everyone has gone off except for Claudio and Benedick, Caludio asks Benedick what he thinks of Hero, saying that he had fallen in love with her. Benedick then mocks and jokes about Hero's appearance, teasing Claudio. When Don Pedro finds them and heard them talking about Hero, Benedick tells him Claudio's crush. Hearing this, Don Pedro makes up a "play." Since Claudio was a shy guy, Don Pedro will disguise himself as Claudio and declare his love to Hero at the costumed ball to win Hero's heart for Claudio.
