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Margaret is one of Hero’s two servingwomen, though she is of a lower class than Ursula, and her status allows her the freedom to break from decorum. For example, she has a lover even though she is unmarried and she consistently makes bawdy jokes and innuendos to the shock and delight of her companions. She is a witty, cheerful woman who excitedly plays her part in Don Pedro’s scheme to bring Beatrice and Benedick together. For example, in 3.4, she offers Beatrice “distilled Carduus Benedictus” to help her cold (3.4.71). This moment is always played for laughs onstage as Margaret, Hero, and Ursula gleefully watch while Beatrice sputters at the mention of a plant whose name evokes that of the man she loves.
Margaret is essential to the plot because she (inadvertently) plays a role in Hero’s slandering. In 3.3, Borachio, Margaret’s lover and Don John’s conspirator, woos Margaret at Hero’s window while Claudio and Don Pedro watch, thinking that Margaret is Hero. This convinces Claudio and Don Pedro of Hero’s infidelity, and causes Claudio to level his accusations toward Hero at the altar. Margaret, however, is entirely innocent and never conspired with them to ruin her mistress. Don John and Borachio’s manipulation of Margaret suggests she is as much of a pawn as Hero, and though Margaret possesses a certain freedom and mobility due to her lower status, these things have their limits; she too is subject to the whims of men in power.
