Don Pedro plays the parallel role to that of Pandarus, as he helps Claudio and Hero with their connection. Claudio is a lord of Florence who falls in love with Hero. Hero is engaged to be married to Claudio. In contrast to Cressida, Hero keeps is always true to her promise. However, Don John and his companions are plotting to destroy her relationship with Claudio out of jealousy. In this way a parallel can be seen between the warring groups of characters in the two plays. The Trojans and Greeks are then paralleled by Don Pedro and his companions who are the victims of the plot by Don John and his team.

             Plot.

             The plot of both plays revolves around the romantic relationships of the main characters. In "Troilus and Cressida" however, the plot and outcome are somewhat darker than in the mostly light-hearted "Much Ado about Nothing". Whereas there is the parallel of alleged sexual indiscretion for both Cressida and Hero, the former proves guilty, while the latter has been framed. .

             Both plays also feature a parallel love theme besides the relationships of the main characters. The parallel love theme with Troilus and Cressida's relationship is that of Helen and Paris. Helen in this play proves as sexually intense as Cressida. The same parallelism is found in the case of Claudio and Hero. Beatrice and Benedick share a pure and true love, even though both swear never to marry.

             "Much Ado about Nothing" ends with joy, as Hero's name has been cleared. Those guilty of the plot against her and Claudio are duly punished, thus providing and ending that is fitting and traditional for a Shakespearean comedy. Troilus and Cressida's ending is not a happy one, as already known by an audience versed in the history of the Trojan period. This is also suggested by the rest of the plot. The play ends with Pandarus lamenting the situation, whereas "Much Ado about Nothing" ends with a celebration.

             Theme.