Quote from Buddha

"An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind." - Buddha

Don John is portrayed as an nefarious, jealous, and power-seeking character.  He describes himself as just plain evil.  Don John embodies this quote because of his efforts to break up Hero and Claudio.  Don John presents himself as a friend of Claudio, but in reality, he is working against him.  In Act III, Don John's plan is put into action, and Claudio believes that Hero has been unfaithful.  Claudio becomes distraught and decides that he will confront Hero on the altar, therefore embarrassing her in front of the whole town.  Claudio is not thinking correctly because he is so taken aback by the scene he just witnessed.  As the quote says, Don John is doing more damage to Claudio than a beast could because he is hurting him mentally rather than physically.  Claudio's mental pain is messing with his judgement and he is not thinking his actions through.  Everything is going exactly how Don John and Borachio have planned.  If Don John's plan continues to go smoothly, then he will end up hurting many people.  

Letter to Conrad

Dear Conrad,

I am writing this letter to inform you of the plan that Borachio has devised to prevent the marriage of Hero and Claudio.  I am writing this letter because I want to notify you before this plan happens, but I do not know if Borachio or I will see you face to face.  I hope one of us will see you, but if not, once you read this letter come and find me.  So here is the plan: I am going to tell Claudio and Don Pedro that Hero has been unfaithful, and if they want proof, that they are to meet me outside of Hero's room tonight.  Borachio will be set up with Margaret, who will be dressed as Hero, in Hero's chamber and they will sleep with each other.  Earlier today, Borachio made sure that Hero would be out of her room. Tonight I will bring the men outside of her window, and when Claudio and Don Pedro see Margaret and Borachio, the marriage will be canceled!  Whatever you do, do not tell anyone of this plan!  If my plan works, Claudio will feel the pain that I have to deal with everyday.

See you tonight,

Don John

Diary Entry 2: My Father

As I reflect on my current situation as an outcast, a sense of hatred grows inside me towards my father.  I have no title and am not regarded with the same respect as my brother, the Prince, because my father had me out of wedlock.  Although I appreciate the money he has provided for me, I wish that I could have been born within my fathers marriage, so that I could have the title and social status that Don Pedro has received.  My father was a very wealthy king that was loved by many people, but he was married to Don Pedro's mother when I was born.  During this time, it is not uncommon for the royalty to have affairs, but the children that are born out of them are often looked down upon because they are the creations of the king's weaknesses.  This is the type of situation that I was born into, but thankfully my brother has just began to kindle our relationship and he has took me under his wing.  Although I am very grateful to him, I know that I will never be treated like him, and I will always wish that my father didn't have me out of wedlock.

Diary Entry 1: A Plan

Today, my servant Conrade asked me why I was looking sad and discontent.  I explained to him that I was upset because I was having trouble getting people to appreciate me like they do my brother and Claudio.  He reminded me that I just rekindled my relationship with my brother, and that I should not act depressed if I want the relationship to continue to grow.  I had to remind myself that my brother was a very powerful man, but I still questioned the people's loyalty to Claudio.  I thought to myself, "Why is Claudio so loved by everyone, while I sit here and am unable to please anyone?" Then my servant Borachio brought me the news that Don Pedro is going to court Hero for Claudio. This news filled me with anger, and I decided that I must do everything in my power to expose the courting of Hero by Don Pedro in place of Claudio.  With help of my trusted servants Conrade and Borachio, I must quickly devise a plan to reveal Don Pedro's and Claudio's secret.  Some people may view my sadness as jealousy towards Claudio because of his relationship with my brother, but I believe it is unfair that he is thought of so highly, when most people do not know his true identity.