The Prince!

• Would (in theory) have the most political power in this play. He’s out of his jurisdiction in Italy, but would still have a certain amount of power

  • In line for the throne– depending on how many other legitimate children were in the family

• Historically, he would have perhaps been in the war, but he wouldn’t have been on the front lines by any means. In England, this is the beginning of anti-monarchism sentiments, though that doesn’t mean that he wouldn’t have had a certain amount of power

  • Close historical equivalent would be Edward VIII, Prince of Wales

The (other) Prince!

• Unlike Pedro, not in line for the throne

  • Still would have wealth and positions within the royal family, but still would have some social stigma with that

• Similar to Pedro, would have served in the military and may have seen combat (unlike Pedro at least in WWI)

  • Would have been seen as a way to get recognition outside of the fact that he’s a bastard and could lead to upward mobility (see more in the military section)

Counts

• Claudio may own land and have minor governmental influence/may be a slightly higher ranked officer compared to Benedick, but not as high as Don John.

• Marrying Hero would on about the same class level/Hero would be potentially marrying up

Governors?

• So… Italy doesn’t really have governors at this point in time. Given that it's a loose confederation of city states at best (and what lies on the horizon), there really aren't governors

• But! They do have mayors and I feel like that fits better with Leonato’s role

• Has a bit of power, but likely wouldn’t have had it on the same par as say Pedro or even Claudio