Dogberry is the parish Constable and is in charge of organising the watch. He is the most comical character in the play as he is an incompetent organiser and constantly uses the opposite word from the one he means (malapropism). Just before Hero and Claudio's doomed wedding, he attempts to inform Leonato, the Governor, of Borachio's arrest and, to his great delight, is allowed to examine Borachio himself. As a result of this, Dogberry, the Sexton and the watch are the first to uncover the plot that has ruined Hero. During his trial, Borachio greatly upsets Dogberry by calling him an "ass" and Dogberry takes this as a terrible insult. He urges Leonato to bear this in mind when considering Borachio's punishment.
"forget not that I am an ass"
4.2.79-80
Title: Master constable of the watch
Sex: male
Some Audio Tracks
Hometown: Messina
Job: "we are the poor duke’s officers" (3.5.18-19)
Often called: "neighbour", "master constable" & "ass"
About me: “I am a wise fellow, and which is more, an officer, and which is more, a householder, and which is more, as pretty a piece of flesh as any in Messina, and one that knows the law- go to! – and a rich fellow enough – go to! – and a fellow that hath had losses, and one that hath two gowns, and everything handsome about him." (4.2.81-87)
Personal philosophy: “Truly, I would not hang a dog by my will, much more a man who hath any honesty in him.” (3.3.61-62)
