1. Setting, Characterisation and Plot Structure
Romeo & Juliet
Setting, Characterisation and Plot Structure

2. Setting
Most of the scenes take place on the hot streets of Verona where members of the Capulets and Montagues spend a lot of their time fighting.
We regularly see Romeo on the streets of Verona and never in his own house – the only time we hear of him retiring to his own house is...
What does this tell us about Romeo, in relation to setting?
This is juxtaposed with Juliet who spends most of her time sheltered in her father’s house, almost never allowed to venture outside the walls of it.
What does Romeo, therefore, have to do to be a part of her world?
Romeo must therefore ‘invade’ Juliet’s world to be with her. We see him crashing the Capulet’s part and then climbing up to her balcony.

3. Setting
A neutral place where Romeo and Juliet’s worlds overlap is the Friar’s cell.
This is the only place that she is allowed to go with her father’s blessing (ironically, to confess sins, not commit them).
Verona, therefore is an overtly religious – specifically Catholic – setting.

4. Characterisation - Romeo
Romeo is portrayed as a Petrarchan Lover.
This is someone who lusts and loves someone who is unattainable.
He speaks a lot in poetry. To an extent, it feels as if a lot of his speeches – especially in the beginning about Rosaline are forced and pre-rehearsed.
Do we think he is a bad person? Yes or No? Why? Discuss.

5. Characterisation - Juliet
Juliet is the character who develops most in the play. We see her grow from a naive girl into a determined woman.
Her love for Romeo also develops and deepens each time we meet her.
The Juliet who sighs at the beginning of the balcony scene that Romeo would be perfect if only he weren't a Montague (2.2.2) is not the same Juliet who tells Romeo, wonderingly, "My bounty is as boundless as the sea / My love as deep. The more I give to you / the more I have, for both are infinite" (2.2.16).
Juliet is faced with difficult, adult choices and she remains firm throughout – unlike Romeo who is rash and makes decisions without properly thinking them through.
Whilst Romeo is banished, he does have the support and love from his friends and family.

6. Characterisation - Juliet
Juliet, however, gives up everything to be with Romeo and has a far tougher path to her inevitable suicide.
She has to: say good-bye to Romeo after their wedding night (knowingly perhaps for the last time), to the news that she is supposed to marry Paris, to her father's rage when she refuses, to a meeting with Paris himself and her nurse’s betrayal.
Her father threatens to throw her out of his house if she does not marry Paris, whilst her mother nearly disowns her.
She still manages to retain dignity and her love for Romeo throughout.
Who is the stronger character? Romeo or Juliet? Why?
Discuss.

7. Plot Structure of Romeo and Juliet
Climax or Turning Point: Tybalt kills Mercutio, then Romeo kills Tybalt. The Prince arrives and orders that Romeo be banished from Verona.
Falling Action: Paris will soon be married to Juliet, and the Capulets do not know about Juliet’s secret marriage. Juliet decides to fake her death with a potion the Friar gives her.
Rising Action: Romeo needs to secretly marry Juliet fearing that a Capulet and a Montague would never be allowed to marry.
Resolution: Romeo drinks the poison and dies. Juliet wakes up, finds Romeo dead, and kills herself with a dagger when the Friar is not looking. Both families agree to stop the hatred after the tragedy.
Exposition: Romeo shows his lust for Rosaline; normal conversations in Montague and Capulet families; Mercutio makes fun of Romeo because of Rosaline’s intent to never marry.

8. Essay Questions
1. Choose from a play a scene in which tension builds to a climax.
Explain how the dramatist creates and develops this tension, and discuss the extent to which the scene has thematic as well as dramatic significance.
2. Choose a play in which a central character behaves in an obsessive manner.
Describe the nature of the character’s obsessive behaviour and discuss the influence
this behaviour has on your understanding of the character in the play as a whole.
3. Choose a play set in a society whose values conflict with those of a central character or characters.
Describe this difference in values and discuss how effectively the opposition of values
enhances your appreciation of the play as a whole.

9. Study Guides
The following guides are available online to buy, or download as an iphone/pad app