"Romeo and Juliet" is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare.
It is a story of two star-crossed lovers from feuding families, the Montagues and the Capulets, in Verona.
The play explores themes of love, fate, conflict, and tragedy.
Characters
Montagues
Romeo: The son of Montague, falls in love with Juliet.
Montague: Head of the Montague family.
Lady Montague: Romeo's mother.
Benvolio: Romeo's cousin and friend.
Balthasar: Romeo's servant.
Abraham: Montague's servant.
Capulets
Juliet: The daughter of Capulet, falls in love with Romeo.
Capulet: Head of the Capulet family.
Lady Capulet: Juliet's mother.
Tybalt: Juliet's cousin, known for his temper.
Nurse: Juliet's nurse and confidante.
Peter: Servant to Juliet's nurse.
Sampson and Gregory: Servants to the Capulets.
Others
Prince Escalus: The ruler of Verona.
Paris: A nobleman, suitor to Juliet.
Mercutio: Romeo's close friend, related to the Prince.
Friar Laurence: A Franciscan friar who helps Romeo and Juliet.
Friar John: Another friar.
Chorus: Provides the prologue and epilogue.
Plot Summary
Act 1
Prologue: Introduces the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets and the fate of the "star-cross'd lovers."
Scene 1: A street fight breaks out between Montague and Capulet servants. Prince Escalus breaks it up.
Scene 2: Paris seeks to marry Juliet. Capulet plans a feast, Romeo and Benvolio decide to attend uninvited.
Scene 3: Lady Capulet tells Juliet of Paris' proposal. Juliet agrees to consider him.
Scene 4: Romeo, Benvolio, and Mercutio go to the Capulet party.
Scene 5: Romeo and Juliet meet and fall instantly in love. Tybalt recognizes Romeo and is furious.
Act 2
Scene 1: Chorus suggests that Romeo and Juliet's love is complicated by their families' feud.
Scene 2: The famous balcony scene where Romeo and Juliet exchange vows of love.
Scene 3: Friar Laurence agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet hoping to end the feud.
Scene 4: Tybalt challenges Romeo. Mercutio and Romeo engage in witty banter.
Scene 5: Juliet awaits news from Romeo, who sends the Nurse.
Scene 6: Romeo and Juliet marry in secret.
Act 3
Scene 1: Tybalt kills Mercutio in a duel. Romeo avenges Mercutio by killing Tybalt. Romeo is banished.
Scene 2: Juliet longs for Romeo; Nurse informs her of Tybalt’s death and Romeo’s banishment.
Scene 3: Romeo is distraught over his banishment and seeks solace in Friar Laurence’s cell.
Scene 4: Capulet arranges Juliet's marriage to Paris.
Scene 5: Romeo and Juliet part after their wedding night. Lady Capulet informs Juliet of her imminent marriage to Paris.
Act 4
Scene 1: Friar Laurence gives Juliet a potion to fake her death.
Scene 2: Preparations for the wedding are underway.
Scene 3: Juliet takes the potion.
Scene 4: The Capulet household prepares for the wedding.
Scene 5: Juliet is found "dead."
Act 5
Scene 1: Romeo learns of Juliet’s "death" and buys poison.
Scene 2: Friar John’s message to Romeo fails to deliver.
Scene 3: At Juliet's tomb, Paris and Romeo clash; Paris is killed. Romeo takes poison and dies beside Juliet. Juliet awakens, finds Romeo dead, and kills herself. The families reconcile.
Themes
Fate vs. Free Will: The concept of "star-cross'd lovers" emphasizes the power of fate.
Love and Hate: The intense passion of love and the destructive nature of hate are central themes.
Conflict: The family feud causes tragedy and loss.
Tragedy: The play ends in the tragic death of the main characters.
Important Quotes
"A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life." (Prologue)
"My only love sprung from my only hate!" (Juliet)
"Parting is such sweet sorrow." (Juliet)
"These violent delights have violent ends." (Friar Laurence)