The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet characters

Appears from the start

The young son of the Montague household. At first he withdraws from family and friends because Rosaline does not return his love, but he is eloquent, emotionally intense, and willing to cross the boundaries imposed by Verona's feud when his feelings change.

Appears from the start

The only daughter of the Capulet household, not yet fourteen when her parents begin considering a marriage to Paris. She is respectful but thoughtful, and her first meeting with Romeo awakens a private resolve that soon conflicts with her family's expectations.

Appears from the start

Romeo's cousin and a member of the Montague family. He tries to stop the opening street fight, seeks the cause of Romeo's sadness, and encourages him to overcome his attachment to Rosaline by noticing other women.

Appears from the start

Romeo's quick-witted friend and a kinsman of Verona's prince. He mocks romantic melancholy, delights in elaborate wordplay, and draws Romeo toward the Capulet feast, bringing restless energy to a feud in which he belongs to neither house.

Appears from the start

Juliet's cousin and a fierce defender of Capulet honor. He is eager to fight the Montagues in the opening disturbance and recognizes Romeo beneath his disguise at the family feast, regarding the intrusion as an insult that must be answered.

Also known as The Nurse

Appears from the start

The woman who raised Juliet and remains her affectionate attendant. Talkative, earthy, and familiar with the girl in a way her parents are not, she becomes Juliet's trusted messenger when formal household rules cannot accommodate Juliet's wishes.

First appears in chapter 2

A Franciscan friar trusted by Romeo, with practical knowledge of medicinal plants and poisons. He criticizes Romeo's sudden changes of heart yet agrees to assist the young couple because he hopes their union could reconcile the hostile families.

Also known as Lord Capulet

Appears from the start

Juliet's father and head of the Capulet house. He welcomes Paris's interest but initially says Juliet is young and should have some voice in the match. At his feast he restrains Tybalt rather than permit violence against a guest.

Also known as Lady Capulet

Appears from the start

Juliet's mother, who approaches her daughter about Paris as a desirable husband. More formal with Juliet than the nurse is, she treats the proposed marriage as a sound family arrangement.

Also known as Count Paris

Appears from the start

A noble kinsman of Verona's prince who asks Capulet for permission to marry Juliet. He is an honorable and socially approved suitor, confident that the families can arrange a suitable courtship.

Also known as Prince Escalus

Appears from the start

The ruler responsible for keeping peace in Verona. Angered by repeated public violence between the households, he warns that another breach will be punished by death.

Also known as Lord Montague

Appears from the start

Romeo's father and head of the Montague family. He is involved in the old rivalry with the Capulets but is chiefly concerned when Romeo isolates himself and asks Benvolio to learn what troubles him.

First appears in chapter 5

A poor seller of medicines in Mantua whose thin appearance reveals his hardship. Although the law forbids the sale Romeo requests, financial desperation makes him vulnerable to a large offer.