There is no doubt that Shakespeare's "Much Ado about Nothing" is a witty comedy. It subscribes to all the conventions of a Shakespeare comedy, being witty in language and plot. It also ends well for all who deserve it, and badly for all those who do not. In "Cressida and Troilus" however, both the plot and theme seem somewhat dark for a comedy. However, this play has been classified as one of Shakespeare's comedies. It is doubtful however that it is one of his wittiest, or indeed in the same category as "Much Ado about Nothing". These two plays will then be compared in terms of character, plot, theme and dramatic structure in order to determine the similarities between the two.

             Character.

             In both plays, three characters drive the main plot. In "Troilus and Cressida", the backdrop of the Trojan War divides the characters into the Trojans and the Greeks. Troilus and Cressida, the unfortunate lovers, are both from Troy. Troilus, the youngest son of King Priam, is hopelessly in love with Cressida, even to the point of blindness. While he can at times see his own faults, he is entirely blind to those of Cressida. Cressida is not at all worthy of Troilus' love. She has many lovers, and even after promising to remain true to Troilus appears to be unable to stop herself from breaking her vows. At the Greek camp, she enters a sexual relationship with the Greek, Diomedes. The third character driving the main action is Pandarus, Cressida's uncle. His role is to live through the often illicit trysts of others, as he is retired and can no longer himself enjoy a sensual lifestyle. For the purpose of the play he then acts as a go-between between Troilus and his niece.

             Royalty and war also go hand-in-hand for the characters in "Much Ado about Nothing". Don Pedro is for example the Prince of Arragon, just returning from battle as the play opens. Claudio, one of the main characters, is one of the companions returning with him.