Primary Characters in Romeo and Juliet
Romeo Montague
Romeo, our tragic hero, is a young man whose character arc demonstrates the transformation from superficial love to profound passion. Initially, we meet him pining for Rosaline in melodramatic fashion:
"Why then, O brawling love! O loving hate! O anything, of nothing first create!"Note
Romeo's early language is filled with oxymorons, reflecting his immature understanding of love.
Key characteristics:
- Impulsive and passionate
- Romantic and poetic in nature
- Quick to action, often without consideration of consequences
- Undergoes significant emotional maturation throughout the play
Juliet Capulet
Juliet emerges as perhaps the most complex character in the play. At thirteen, she transforms from an obedient daughter to a woman willing to defy societal expectations:
"My only love sprung from my only hate!"Tip
Pay attention to how Juliet's language evolves from formal and controlled to passionate and poetic as she falls in love.
Key characteristics:
- More practical and grounded than Romeo
- Shows remarkable maturity in crisis
- Struggles between familial duty and personal desire
- Demonstrates growing emotional independence
Friar Laurence
The well-meaning but ultimately flawed mentor figure serves as both facilitator and philosopher throughout the play:
"For this alliance may so happy prove, To turn your households' rancour to pure love."Common Mistake
Don't mistake Friar Laurence for a purely benevolent character - his actions, though well-intentioned, contribute to the tragic ending.
