The plot is very important in Shakespeare's comedies. They are often very convoluted, twisted and confusing, and extremely hard to follow. Another characteristic of Shakespearean comedy is the themes of love and friendship, played within a courtly society. Songs often sung by a jester or a fool parallel the events of the plot. Also, foil and stock characters are often inserted into the plot.
Love provides the main ingredient for the plot.
If the lovers are unmarried when the play opens, they either have not met or there is some obstacle in the way of their love. Shakespeare uses many predictable patterns in his plays. The hero does not normally make an entrance for a few lines, at least, if not a whole scene. The hero is also virtuous and strong, but he always possesses a character flaw. In the comedy itself, Shakespeare assumes that we know the basic plot, and he jumps right into it with little or no explanation.