Shakespeares Romeo Juliet Character Guide Meet the Montagues

Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet Character Guide

Meet the Montagues

Romeo Montague Son of a wealthy and famous business man of Verona. This handsome teen has a gentle, thoughtful, romantic side. He thinks seriously about love, although he is very young. Although he takes matters of the heart seriously, he is immature as he acts and thinks impulsively. His serious side is countered with a bit of a temper.

Lord Montague • Powerful and wealthy, Montague is used to getting what he wants. He is rich, famous, has a beautiful wife and son. Montague is very respected in the community. • This master of the Montague family has a longstanding feud with a crosstown rival, the Capulets. This war has been raging for decades.

Benvolio Montague • Romeo’s cousin and good friend. Romeo trusts Benvolio very much, and confides in him about the things that trouble him. Benvolio is the first one to try to stop a fight from happening, but often in his attempts to thwart trouble, ends up getting in trouble himself.

Meet the Capulets

Lord Capulet • As rich and powerful as Montague, Capulet is also a wellrespected man in Verona. He is wealthy and loves to throw lavish parties where festive revelers can enjoy his hospitality. • You would think Capulet has some sort of bi-polar disorder. He is gracious and generous, yet prone to fits of rage and abuse. He is fun-loving and joyous, but very proud and stubborn. • And as stated previously, Capulet has a deep hatred for Montague and any of his supporters.

Lady Capulet • Lady Capulet, beautiful and prominent wife, seems to be inconvenienced by her daughter Juliet. And she views her daughter as a business deal, a bride to be auctioned off to the highest bidding groom. She assumes her role as a faithful and subservient wife and mother.

Tybalt • Ready to live, kill or die for the honor of the Capulet name. Juliet’s cousin and protector, he is called throughout the play, “The Prince of Cats” for his quick, graceful, agile way with a sword (or in this case, a gun). Tybalt is dangerous, and you‘ll want this powerful man on your side.

Juliet Capulet • The only daughter of the mighty Capulet, Juliet is a sweet, intelligent young woman who obeys the will of her family. Although she is mild mannered and quiet, she refuses to be denied true happiness and love. In some ways, she is a typical girl of her time, and in others, she transcends her surroundings, teaching all of us what true love is.

Meet the Supporting Characters

Prince of Verona • Is expected to keep the law and order in Verona. His main concern is stopping the warfare between the city’s most powerful families, and to stop any bloodshed before it happens. • Related to both sides of the feud, Prince has the power and desire to keep the two sides apart, at least for a while.

Nurse • She has been the nanny since Juliet was an infant, and therefore has a very strong relationship with Juliet. Since Juliet and her mother are not particularly close, Nurse often acts as a mother figure to Juliet. Nurse is Juliet's most trusted friend, despite the fact that she is much older and an employee of the Capulet household.

Paris • The governor’s son. He is labeled “Bachelor of the Year” for his good looks, social status, and wealth. Paris is a catch to say the least. • Banking on his good looks and status in Verona, he tries hard to woo Juliet (and Capulet’s money and power).

Friar Laurence • As a man of God, he just wants peace and harmony in Verona realized. Friar Laurence acts as counselor and confidant to all, and only wants what is best for his city. Because of this, he may lose sight of what is morally correct.

Mercutio • Romeo’s best friend. Always the rowdy, flamboyant one of the bunch, Mercutio is not afraid to speak his mind, be honest, and go after what he wants. • And like his antithesis, Tybalt, Mercutio is an excellent fighter (though not as good). Mercutio is, however, much quicker with his tongue (his witty speech).

Balthasar • Romeo’s good friend. He only wants to help, it’s such a shame that it all backfires on him.

So, are you ready? 18