Friars (members of a religious brotherhood of the Catholic Church) often had a negative reputation during the Middle Ages and Renaissance: both Chaucer and Dante had more than a few negative comments to make about them. But Shakespeare must have known at least one very good and pious friar. In Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare created Friar Laurence, a wise and trustful advisor and confidante to Romeo. In Much Ado about Nothing Friar Francis, the man who was to perform the wedding ceremony for Hero and Claudio, not only comes to Hero's rescue, but he also devises a scheme so that the truth can be revealed.
Unlike the irrational Leonato, the Friar is rational. And, like Shakespeare himself, the Friar is a keen observer and fine judge of character. He informs Leonato that he had carefully observed Hero as Claudio made his accusations. Despite her blushes, the Friar exclaims, her face indicated innocence. He concludes that she is "guiltless" (168).
Hero finally is able to speak for herself and proclaim her innocence, and Benedick correctly suspects that the mischief has been caused by Don John (line 187).
Leonato, still emotional and irrational, quickly changes his mood. No longer believing that he is disgraced and dishonored, Leonato becomes angry at the injustice caused by Claudio and asserts that he will get revenge: "to quit me of them thoroughly" (199). The words to quit (or to quite) during the Renaissance means to get revenge. Despite his age and despite the fact that his opponent would be the Prince himself, Leonato desires revenge. Fortunately, the Friar is there to calm him down.
The Friar instead suggests that Leonato and the others should pretend that Hero actually did die as a result of Claudio's accusations. Claudio would thus feel remorse and guilt about how badly he treated her "and wish he had not so accused her" (231). The Friar also hopes that the truth will be revealed as a result of this deception or scheme. But the Friar is also smart enough to know that even the best of schemes may fail. So, the Friar also suggests the following:
The supposition of the lady's death Will quench the wonder of her infamy.
And if it sort not well, you may conceal her, As best befits her wounded reputation,
In some reclusive and religious life. (237-41)
The Friar is stating that most people will be so surprised and curious about Hero's death that her infamy or dishonor will not be a major concern. If the plan does not succeed and if the truth is not revealed, Hero could then become a nun (the religious life). A girl with a ruined reputation could never marry a man of honor. And if she did not become a nun, she would then lead a lonely and miserable existence. The Friar, though, does hope that his plan will work.