The next day, at the wedding, Claudio denounces Hero before the stunned guests, and he storms off with Don Pedro.

Hero faints. A humiliated Leonato expresses his wish for her to die.

The presiding friar intervenes, believing Hero innocent.

He suggests that the family fake Hero's death to inspire Claudio with remorse.

Prompted by the day's stressful events, Benedick and Beatrice confess their love for each other.

Beatrice then asks Benedick to kill Claudio as proof of his devotion.

Benedick hesitates but is swayed. Leonato and Antonio blame Claudio for Hero's supposed death and threaten him, to little effect.

Benedick arrives and challenges him to a duel.