Watchman characters in Much Ado About Nothing?

Question

Are the "first watchman" and "watchman" in *Much Ado About Nothing* actually the same character, or are they different? As Shakespeare doesn't pay much attention to minor characters, I couldn't figure this out by myself.

Answer 1

In Much Ado About Nothing there are actually 3 "watchmen" roles. The roles are: First Watchman, Second Watchman, and Watchmen. The first and second watchmen have names, but we don't really know who is who. They are suggested to be "Hugh Otecake, sir, or George Seacole; for they can write and read." The "Watchmen" role is the rest of the watch, which is under Dogberry's command.

Technically, Hugh Otecake and George Seacole are also part of "Watchmen" because it refers to the group instead of a specific person, if that makes sense.