The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet William Shakespeare

Character Descriptions

Romeo… He is the only child of the Montagues. Romeo is quiet and mourning about his love for Rosaline in the beginning. After discovering Juliet, he becomes more vibrant and passionate. He is willing to do anything, including die, in order to be with his love. Romeo is impulsive, wanting to get married right away and not thinking about the consequences.

Juliet… She is an innocent 13 yr old girl, the only daughter of the Capulets. Juliet discovers love in Romeo and has to face the loss of her love when he is exiled. She becomes mature and independent as the play develops. She controls her temper and is strong-willed, leaving her parents and Nurse to do what she believes is right. She is willing to die for a loved one.

Tybalt… Juliet’s cousin, has a temper and hates all Montagues. He demands revenge on Romeo at the Capulet ball and kills Mercutio. He is killed by Romeo.

Mercutio… Romeo’s best friend, he’s a bit eccentric and enjoys having a good time. Killed by Tybalt in a duel, he is a quite courageous character who remains faithful to Romeo.

Nurse… Juliet’s Nurse who is closer to Juliet than her mother is; she nursed baby Juliet. She is a comical character, who mourns over her lost daughter and husband. Always talkative and playful, she urges Juliet to “seek happy nights”. The Nurse also provides support for Juliet and knows about her marriage to Romeo. Only in the end does Juliet abandon her.

Paris… Fine, handsome suitor of Juliet who is killed by Romeo in a duel at the Capulet tomb. He is related to the Prince.

Friar Laurence… Romeo’s friend who advises him in many ways; he is wise and practical, unlike the passionate lovers. The Friar marries Romeo and Juliet in an attempt to bring peace to their families. All his efforts are for the good of others, but they do not work out in the end.

Benvolio… Romeo’s cousin and friend,he tries to comfort Romeo from his love sickness over Rosaline. Benolio is very peaceful, always trying to stop conflicts between the Montagues and the Capulets. He explains to the Prince why Romeo killed Tybalt.

Escalus, Prince of Verona… He warns Montagues and Capulets that the next time a riot breaks out between their families, the punishment will be death. He keeps order in Verona.

Montague and Lady Montague Romeo’s father who worries about his son’s depression in the beginning of the play, doesn’t have a main role after that. Romeo’s mother, who also worries about her son. She dies grieving for her child.

Capulet and Lady Capulet Juliet’s father, does not want to cause trouble with Montague, defends Romeo from Tybalt at the ball. He does have a temper problem, and threatens to disown Juliet if she doesn’t marry Paris. Juliet’s mother, doesn’t have a close relationship with her daughter and needs the Nurse at important times. She wants Romeo killed because he killed Tybalt.

Other Characters to know… Apothecary Friar John Balthasar Samson and Gregory Abraham Peter Illegally sells Romeo the poison (which Romeo kills himself with) because Romeo offers a great sum of money. He is sent by Friar Laurence to Mantua with a message for Romeo explaining the secret plan of Juliet and the Friar. He is not allowed into Mantua for fear that he carries the plague, therefore Romeo believes that Juliet is dead. Romeo’s servant, tells Romeo that Juliet is dead. Capulet servants, they fight with Montague servants in the beginning. Montague servant, throws insults at Capulet servants in the beginning. Juliet’s Nurse’s servant