Hero is a fictional character in William Shakespeare's play Much Ado About Nothing. She is the daughter of Leonato, a governor in Messina, and cousin to Beatrice. In the play, Hero falls in love with Claudio, who, under the influence of Don John, wrongfully accuses her of adultery causing her to fake her death. Hero is ultimately proven innocent and reconciles with Claudio at the play's conclusion. Many actors have portrayed Hero on stage and screen including Ellen Terry. Kate Beckinsale, Jennifer Gould, Billie Piper, and Jillian Morgese.