Much Ado: Lesson IV: Review Questions II, III, and IX

When Benedick challenged Claudio, he displayed a very uncharacteristic trait; dedication for Beatrice. His love for Beatrice had bound him, just as he originally feared. He became so dedicated that he turned against his friends for love. Claudio, the object of the challenge, seemed to side with his friends and against Hero when challenged, particularly in the first wedding scene. This illustrates an important difference between Benedick and Claudio, both as lovers, and as men.

 Claudio eventually repents when he realises Hero's innocence. He throws himself at the mercy of Leonato, and seems genuinely sorry for his little temper tantrum back at the wedding, even if he sees no wrong in humiliating an unfaithful woman so violently, a belief not shared by the other characters.

His repentance comes to a climax during the second wedding. There, he takes vows with a woman he thinks he has never met. This is important not only because it is a leap of faith, but also because it shows that he is truly sorry, and regrets humiliating Hero after all. In order to atone for his crime against the innocent bride, Claudio does whatever Leonato says in order to make his apologies. Even if it means marrying his Lenato's "niece".