Much Ado About Nothing: why cant Claudio tell Hero directly that he likes her ? Why does Don Pedro need to get involved with a plan ?

I just dont understand why Don Pedro needs to make such an elaborate plan. Why cant Claudio just talk to Hero himself ? Why the need for Don Pedro to PRETEND he is courting Hero ? - it seems so silly.
Answers

Juana

Why pretend that Hero is dead? It's a COMEDY, you know. Albeit not a very funny one.