Characters in Romeo & Juliet

In Verona, Italy in the late 1500's, two powerful families, the Montagues and the Capulets, have been fighting with each other for years.

The Montagues

Lord Montague or “Montague” The head of the Montague family and enemy of Capulet. Romeo’s father Head of one of the most powerful and rich families in Verona. * This character is the enemy of Capulet, but a good father to his son.

Lady Montague Romeo’s mother * Not a very important character is the play * She is a loving mother who adores her son and dies of a broken heart when Romeo is sent away

Romeo Son of the wealthy Montague family. When he meets Capulet's daughter Juliet, he falls instantly in love with her. His two closest friends are Benvolio and Mercutio.

Benvolio Nephew of Montague and friend to Romeo. He has huge loyalty to his friends and family. He is a sensible and trustworthy young man.

Balthasar Romeo’s dedicated servant.

Abram Montague’s servant, who fights with Sampson and Gregory in the first scene of the play.

The Capulets

Lord Capulet The head of the Capulet family and enemy of Montague. Juliet’s father Capulet is a stubborn old man, who is used to getting his way.

Lady Capulet Juliet’s mother Lady Capulet wants her daughter to marry Paris, for money rather than love. She loves her daughter but is not close to her.

Juliet The thirteen-year-old daughter of Capulet. Begins the play as an innocent and gentle girl, who always listen to her parents. Juliet was raised by her nanny who is her closest friend.

Nurse The woman who has cared for Juliet her entire life. She is Juliet’s friend, but does not support all of Juliet’s decisions.

Tybalt Cousin to Juliet. Tybalt is vain and fashionable, who can also be violent, aggressive and quick to draw his sword when he feels his pride has been injured. Honour and his family mean a lot to him.

Peter A Capulet servant who invites guests to Capulet’s feast and escorts the Nurse to meet with Romeo.

Sampson Servant of the house of Capulet. Hates Montagues. At the beginning of the play, he (and Gregory) successfully provoke some Montague men into a fight.

Gregory Servant of the house of Capulet. Hates Montagues. At the beginning of the play, he (and Sampson) successfully provoke some Montague men into a fight.

Neutral

Chorus The Chorus is a single character who, as developed in Greek drama, functions as a narrator offering commentary on the play’s plot and themes.

Prince Escalus The Prince of Verona Wants peace

Mercutio Best friend to Romeo. Very hot headed and passionate. A kinsman to the Prince.

Paris He is handsome and polite and a favorite to the Capulet family. Juliet’s parents arrange for Juliet to marry Paris.

Friar Lawrence Friend to both Romeo and Juliet He secretly marries the young lovers in the hope that the marriage might bring peace to Verona (where the play is set).

Friar John A Franciscan friar charged by Friar Lawrence with taking the news to Romeo in Mantua.

Apothecary An apothecary in Mantua Apothecary = a person who prepared and sold medicines.