Characters - OCRMinor characters in Romeo and Juliet
The characters of the play can be categorised into two groups - the Montagues and the Capulets. Their conflict fuels the play’s events and how they interact with one another.
Lord and Lady Montague are Romeo's parents. They do not feature heavily in the play, however, we understand that Lord Montague initiates the conflict and fuels the arguments between the two families. They both care for their son deeply and do not want him to get banished; they try to persuade the Prince to drop the charge. At the end of the play, Lord Montague repents his sins, asks for forgiveness and vows never to argue with the Capulet family again.
Personality attributes:
powerful
argumentative
stubborn
persuasive
caring
Benvolio
Benvolio is Romeo's cousin and he loves Romeo very much. When Mercutio and Tybalt are fighting, it is Benvolio who tries to stop the conflict. When Romeo decides to avenge his best friend's death, Benvolio tries to stop him but fails. When he sees that Romeo has killed Tybalt, he tells Romeo to flee.
Personality attributes:
loving
loyal
caring
honest
Paris
Paris wishes to marry Juliet and appears to like her. He persuades Lord Capulet to give his daughter's hand in marriage. At Juliet's death, Paris is mournful and fights Romeo; a man he thinks has come to upset Juliet's peace.
Personality attributes:
persuasive
honourable
Prince Escalus
Prince Escalus is a kinsman of Mercutio and Paris. He is the seat of political power in Verona. He is angered by the feuding families but lacks the personal strength to reconcile the differences.