Chapters
American novelist and short story writer, Flannery O'Connor once said, “In most good stories it is the character’s personality that creates the action of the story.”
This principle certainly applies to one of the most notable romantic plays by William Shakespeare — Romeo and Juliet.
In this article, we will look at how the characters contribute to the plot of this play through various dimensions and layers, which will help you as you prepare for your GCSE English Literature paper.
Male Protagonist: Romeo Montague
A young teenager from Verona, Romeo is the epitome of a true romantic.
He does not shy away from expressing his love through his actions and words.
At the beginning of the play, he is described as being infatuated with Rosaline Capulet but after meeting her cousin, Juliet, he falls head over heels in love with her at first sight.
Romeo wasted no time to appeal to Juliet, even kissing her twice during their first meeting.
ROMEO: Then move not while my prayer's effect I take. [kisses her]
Thus from my lips, by thine, my sin is purged.JULIET: Then have my lips the sin that they have took. my lips now have your sin.
ROMEO : Sin from my lips? O, trespass sweetly urged! Give me my sin again. [kisses her] - Act 1, Scene 5
As passionate as he is, Romeo is fiercely loyal to his loved ones but extremely rash.
These two traits come into play when Romeo kills Tybalt in a fit of rage to avenge the death of his good friend, Mercutio after the latter killed him.
As a result, Romeo is exiled, leading to the death of his mother (Lady Montague) and other unfortunate events, including his own death, followed by Juliet's.
Female Protagonist: Juliet Capulet
Described as not more than fourteen, Juliet is believed to be a beautiful teenage girl. After all, she had more than one suitor — Romeo and Paris.
She shares a close relationship with her wet nurse and often confides her true feelings in her, rather than her biological mother, Lady Capulet.
Like Romeo, Juliet is also passionate and forward with her emotions. Smitten by Romeo during their first encounter, she reciprocates his kiss and is not afraid to confess her love for him despite knowing he is a Montague.
It was Juliet who first brought up the idea of marriage to Romeo on her balcony.
"If that thy bent of love be honourable, your intentions, Thy purpose marriage, send me word tomorrow" -Act 2, Scene 2
As a young female daughter, Juliet is also brave and determined. She did not conform to the norms of her gender and family expectations when she voiced her objections when her father asked her to marry Paris.
Juliet was willing to risk everything, including her life to be with Romeo by taking the sleeping potion given by Friar Lawrence.
Characters Around The Male Protagonist
Next, let's talk about the characters around Romeo.
- Mercutio
Mercutio is a friend of Romeo and is said to be related to the Prince of Verona. As a friend, he is witty and loyal. But as an opponent, he can be rude and provocative. His character is initially seen as a comedic relief before he is killed by Tybalt in a duel after Romeo refuses to engage in a duel with Tybalt.
- Friar Lawrence
A fatherly religious figure to Romeo and Juliet, he is helpful and often gives advice and suggestions to the young couple, hoping that their marriage will unite the two families.
He was willing to marry the couple secretly and helped Juliet "fake her death" by giving her a sleeping potion.
However, he was also a huge risk-taker who lacked foresight when it came to important events. His overconfidence that his letter would reach Romeo in time led to a tragedy for the Montagues and Capulets.
- Benvolio
Romeo's cousin who plays a stable supporting presence throughout the play. A deep contrast to Mercutio, Benvolio is peace-loving and even-tempered.
- Lord and Lady Montague
Both parents of Romeo have brief appearances in the play, but they show genuine concern and affection for Romeo's wellbeing.
Lord Montague asks his nephew, Benvolio about Romeo's reasons for being sad.
MONTAGUE: "Could we but learn from whence his sorrows grow,
We would as willingly give cure as know." - Act 1, Scene 1
This is evident at the beginning of the play when they express worry about his melancholic state due to his unrequited love for Rosaline.
After knowing that Romeo was banished after killing Tybalt, it was implied that Lady Montague dies as she suffers from grief.
Characters Around The Female Protagonist
Now, let's move on to the characters around Juliet.
- The Nurse
The Nurse is loving and caring towards Juliet, having cared for her ever since she was a baby. She also has a protective and pragmatic side.
She is careful to confirm Romeo's identity and intention when she acts as a bridge to relay Juliet's messages to Romeo.
Eventually, she supports Juliet's desire to be with Romeo and helps them to marry in secret.
- Lord and Lady Capulet
Both Lord and Lady Capulet view their family's honour and riches above all things. Both of them see their daughter's marriage as something that will benefit their family and do not care about her happiness.
Lady Capulet, especially is passive and distanced when it comes to expressing maternal love to Juliet.
- Tybalt Capulet
The hot-tempered and impulsive cousin of Juliet, Tybalt hates the Montagues so much that he is offended by Romeo's presence at the family feast. He suffered a tragic death at the hands of Romeo after killing Mercutio.
- Paris
A count from Verona who is related to the Prince, his noble and wealthy identity makes him a favourable marriage candidate for the Capulets. Unaware of Juliet and Romeo's secret marriage, he is killed by Romeo at Juliet's tomb.
To ace your exam on the characters of this play, it's important to study the dynamics of each character and explore the context and reasons behind their actions as the plot progresses.
From there, you could capture the essence of Romeo and Juliet as you describe the burning passion that the main characters have for one another and also how other characters around them contribute to the eventual tragic ending of the play.
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