Romeo and Juliet Character Profiles

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 thirteen-year-old girl, the only daughter of the Capulets. Juliet discovers love in Romeo and has to face the lost 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 quite a 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, yet constantly delivers sexual jokes. 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. Benvolio 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 Montague and Capulet that the next time a riot breaks out between their families, the punishment will be death. He keeps order in Verona.