Don Pedro: The visiting prince of Aragon, a half-brother of Don John, and close companion of Claudio and Benedick
Don John: The illegitimate half-brother of Don Pedro
Claudio: A young man from Florence, Claudio is a friend of Don Pedro and Benedick
Benedick: A young man from Padua and friend of Don Pedro and Claudio
Leonato: The governor of Messina, father of Hero, and uncle of Beatrice
Antonio: The brother of Leonato and the uncle of Hero and Beatrice
Balthasar: A musician employed by Don Pedro
Borachio: A follower of Don John
Conrade: Another follower of Don John
Friar Francis: A priest
Dogberry: A constable
Verges: A headborough and companion of Dogberry
Hero: The only daughter of Leonato and cousin and constant companion of Beatrice
Beatrice: The niece of Leonato and cousin and confidant of Hero
Margaret: Gentlewoman waiting on Hero
Ursula: Gentlewoman waiting on Hero