Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare early in his career about the romance between two young Italians from conflicting families.
Character analysis of Romeo and Juliet helps students understand complex characters and explore the play’s central themes, fostering a deeper appreciation of literature.
Character List of Romeo and Juliet
💖Romeo Montague (In Love with Juliet)
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├── 💖Juliet Capulet (In Love with Romeo)
│ │
│ ├── 🌟Nurse (Juliet’s confidante and caretaker)
│ │
│ └── 💀Tybalt (Juliet’s cousin, a hot-headed Capulet)
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├── 💀Mercutio (Romeo’s close friend, a witty and loyal character)
│ │
│ └── 🌹Benvolio (Romeo’s cousin and peacekeeper)
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├── 👴Friar Laurence (Romeo’s confidante and mentor)
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│ └── 👴Friar John (Friar Laurence’s messenger)
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├── 👪Lord Montague (Romeo’s father)
│ │
│ └── 👪Lady Montague (Romeo’s mother)
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├── 👪Lord Capulet (Juliet’s father)
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│ └── 👪Lady Capulet (Juliet’s mother)
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├── 🌹Paris (Juliet’s suitor)
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├── Prince Escalus (Ruler of Verona, arbiter of justice)
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├── The Apothecary (Sells poison to Romeo)
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├── The Chorus (Narrator and commentator)
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└── Various servants, citizens, and other minor characters in Verona
Character analysis of Romeo and Juliet
Character | Traits/Description | Key Actions/Moments |
---|---|---|
Romeo Montague | Impulsive, Romantic | Falls in love with Juliet, kills Tybalt, commits suicide. |
Juliet Capulet | Passionate, Determined | Falls in love with Romeo, fakes death, commits suicide. |
Mercutio | Witty, Loyal | Teases Romeo, duels with Tybalt. |
Benvolio | Peaceful, Peacemaker | Tries to keep peace between the families. |
Tybalt | Hot-tempered, Proud | Kills Mercutio, duels Romeo. |
Friar Lawrence | Wise, Mentor | Marries Romeo and Juliet, offers a plan to reunite them. |
Nurse | Talkative, Loyal | Acts as Juliet’s confidante, helps arrange secret marriage. |
Lady Capulet | Formal, Reserved | Wants Juliet to marry Paris. |
Lord Capulet | Authoritative, Protective | Tries to keep the peace between the families. |
Lord Montague | Concerned, Loving | Feuds with Capulets, mourns Romeo’s death. |