In Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing", the character of Don John, the illegitimate brother of Don Pedro, is portrayed as melancholy, sullen, and spiteful. He is motivated by jealousy and resentment towards his brother, leading him to scheme to ruin the happiness of Hero and Claudio. This makes him the villain of the play, inflicting misery upon everyone out of spite and deceit.
Don John's Negative Attributes
Don John exhibits a lot of negative attributes, such as anger, spite, and jealousy. His lack of a title and the resulting jealousy towards Don Pedro's success are at the root of his discord with others. He acts out of spite, driven by a desire for revenge and a general bad attitude, which leads him to carry out treacherous schemes.
Don John's Deceit and Jealousy
Despite claiming to be honest in his appearance and disposition, Don John has no problem lying to others. He is dishonest with Claudio about his brother's motives, driven by resentment towards Claudio and a desire to show that Hero is unfaithful. His jealousy is evident in his actions, as he feels it as a physical sickness and is motivated by his envy of his brother's social authority.
The Perception of Don John
By the end of the play, Don John's treachery is confessed, and he is captured while trying to escape from Messina. However, he ultimately makes a name for himself and forces society to recognize him, even if as a wicked character. While society perceives him as the villain, the audience is not fooled, identifying him as a victim of a cruel and often two-faced society.
Don John, as a villainous character, is often portrayed as jealous and deceitful. In the film "Don Jon", he embodies the archetype of the bad character, playing the role of a villain who is easy to predict in his actions and plans. This portrayal aligns with his character in "Much Ado About Nothing", where he is driven by jealousy and resentment, making him the antagonist of the play.
Conclusion
In both the play and the film, Don John represents the archetype of the villain, characterized by jealousy, spite, and deceit. His actions and motives expose the darker side of human nature, serving as a reminder of the consequences of envy and resentment. Despite his portrayal as the villain, he also reflects the flaws of the society that perceives him, adding complexity to his character and its interpretation.