SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Romeo and Juliet (Unabridged, Dramatised, Commentary Options) characters

Appears from the start

The young son of the Montague household. At first absorbed in an unreturned infatuation, he is emotionally intense, impulsive, and more interested in love than in the street feud dividing Verona's leading families.

First appears in chapter 2

The only daughter of the Capulet household, not yet fourteen. Sheltered but observant, she initially treats marriage as a matter her parents may arrange and responds to their plans with courtesy rather than enthusiasm.

Appears from the start

Romeo's cousin and friend, a peaceable Montague who tries to stop the opening brawl. He listens sympathetically to Romeo's troubles and encourages him to look beyond his melancholy.

Appears from the start

Juliet's hot-tempered Capulet cousin. Proud of his family and quick to interpret any Montague presence as an insult, he prefers combat to reconciliation.

First appears in chapter 3

Romeo's witty friend and a kinsman of Prince Escalus. Mercutio mocks romantic convention, delights in elaborate wordplay, and has little patience for Romeo's solemn approach to love.

First appears in chapter 2

The woman who raised Juliet from infancy and remains her intimate attendant. Talkative, earthy, and affectionate, she recalls Juliet's childhood in comic detail and acts as a practical intermediary between the girl and the adult world.

First appears in chapter 7

A Franciscan friar trusted by Romeo. He understands the intensity of youthful feeling but urges moderation, and he hopes that private goodwill might help end the public feud.

Appears from the start

The head of Juliet's household and an enemy of the Montagues. He can be a genial host, but he expects obedience in family matters and is highly sensitive to status and honor.

First appears in chapter 2

Juliet's mother, who presents Paris's marriage proposal to her daughter and assumes that an advantageous match is a natural part of Juliet's future.

Appears from the start

Romeo's father and the head of the Montague household. He is concerned by his son's withdrawn behavior while remaining bound up in the longstanding feud with the Capulets.

Appears from the start

The ruler of Verona. Alarmed by repeated public violence between the Montagues and Capulets, he warns both households that further fighting will bring severe punishment.

First appears in chapter 2

A noble young kinsman of the prince who asks Lord Capulet for permission to marry Juliet. He approaches the match formally and has the approval of her parents.

First appears in chapter 18

A poor seller of medicines whom Romeo finds in Mantua. His desperate circumstances make him vulnerable to a request that the law forbids.