1. Theatrical Terminology Blank Verse : unrhymed iambic pentameter, used when nobles speak Rhyming Verse : used when something emotional or highly important is happening Prose : everyday language used when the commoners are speaking

2. Theatrical Terminology Soliloquy: When the character is alone on stage talking to the audience Monologue: A long speech given from one character to another Aside : Character talks directly to the audience while the cast ‘doesn’t’ hear it

3. Theatrical Terminology Dramatic Irony: When the audience knows more than the characters Dramatic Foil: A character that is present to bring out the characteristics of another character Benvolio – Brings out Tybalt’s anger Benvolio – Brings out Tybalt’s anger Nurse – is ‘dirty’, brings out Juliet’s innocence Nurse – is ‘dirty’, brings out Juliet’s innocence

4. Theatrical Terminology Tragic Flaw: a flaw in the main character’s personality that causes his or her downfall. All the main characters in Shakespearean tragedies have one. What is Romeo and Juliet’s tragic flaw? Their impulsiveness

5. The Setting “In fair Verona, where we lay our scene…” The story takes place in Verona, Italy in the 14 th Century Part of the play also takes place in Mantua, another city in Italy

6. Family Feud! Two very powerful and wealthy families – the Montagues and the Capulets have been at odds with each other for generations This feud has recently been reignited!

7. HOUSE OF MONTAGUE Lord Montague – Head of the household Lady Montague Romeo – Son of Montague Benvolio – nephew of Montague and friend of Romeo Balthasar – Servant of Romeo Abram – servant of Montague M

8. HOUSE OF CAPULET Lord Capulet – Head of the household Lady Capulet Juliet – Daughter of Capulet Tybalt – Nephew of Lady Capulet Nurse – Servant to Juliet Peter – Servant to the Nurse Sampson and Gregory – Servants of the Capulets C

9. Other Characters Prince Escalus – ruler of Verona Mercutio – relative of the Prince and friend of Romeo Friar Laurence – a Franciscan priest Friar John – a Franciscan priest Count Paris – young nobleman, relative of the Prince; potential suitor for Juliet Apothecary – the druggist/pharmacist