Discuss Shakespeare's use of dramatic irony in the play? What is the effect on the audience and how does it contribute to plot and character development?

Dramatic irony occurs throughout "Much Ado About Nothing" enabling the audience to know facts of which the characters in the play are ignorant. It is used in the play to create suspense, comedy and cause conflict between characters, thus making the play more entertaining while allowing the plot to intensify. The most notable uses of dramatic irony in the play are Hero's "infidelity", her death and the "duping" of Benedick and Beatrice. The first notable …

…fall in love with Benedick.... [and] he shall fall in love with Beatrice." Here Don Pedro explains to Claudio, Leonato and Hero how they intend to trick Benedick and Beatrice into making them admit their hidden love for each other. As the plot to "dupe" the two unfolds it becomes extremely amusing for both the audience and the characters that trick them. Not long after this Benedick and Beatrice admit their love for each other.