Now that the soldiers have returned home from war, they are hosted by a wealthy family of the town, including the lovely and innocent daughter Hero, and her bristlelike cousin Beatrice. While Claudio falls for Hero, Benedick swears he will never fall in love. In a lively plot to turn a love spat into a love match, Beatrice and Benedick are tricked into becoming lovers. Meanwhile, Claudio is turned against Hero by false accusations spearheaded by the jealous brother of the Duke. In the end, both ruses are revealed and true love prevails in a pre-wedding celebration.