MAAN

I think that the character that participates in lying the most would be Don John. He lies to make himself look better, and his enemies look awful. Don John is constantly lying to one of his enemies, Cladio, mainly to ruin his upcoming marraige. One example of this would be when Don John decides to tell Claudio that Hero has been unfaithful, just to spite him. He converses how far he would go to ruin the marriage when he says to Borachio, "Only to despite them, I will endeavour any thing" (II.2.27). Because Borachio was also in on the plan, he too participates in lying. In my opinion, lying to make yourself look better is wrong and unethical.

On the otherhand, Leonato, the Prince, Claudio, Hero, and others also partake in lying. Unlike Don John and Borachio, these characters are lying to bring happiness to people. When the Prince stages a conversation with Leonato and Cladio(in which they know Benedick is overhearing) and says, "What was it you told me of to-day, that your niece Beatrice was in love with Signior Benedick?"(II.3.90-92), this is a lie. Although, when they planned this, they know that in the end, Benedick and Beatrice will be happy, something that doesn't come from Don John's lies.

When someone lies in order to help someone, such as the lies that came from the Prince, it should be morally justified. When lies are created only to hurt or for self-gain, such as Don John's lies, they are morally incorrect and unjustifiable.