Answer :
Final answer:
The tragedy of 'Romeo and Juliet' by William Shakespeare features characters from two primary families, the Montagues and the Capulets, along with other key figures that impact the narrative.
Explanation:
William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is a timeless play that details the tragic romance between two star-crossed lovers. The characters are divided mainly into two feuding families: the Montagues and the Capulets. In addition to the family members, there are other essential characters that contribute to the development of the plot and themes of the play.
Montague Family
- Romeo - The young romantic protagonist
- Lord Montague - Romeo's father
- Lady Montague - Romeo's mother
- Benvolio - Romeo's cousin and friend
- Abraham - Servant to the Montague family
- Balthasar - Romeo's personal servant
Capulet Family
- Juliet - The youthful and lively protagonist
- Lord Capulet - Juliet's father
- Lady Capulet - Juliet's mother
- Tybalt - Juliet's fiery cousin
- Nurse - Juliet's caretaker and confidante
- Paris - A nobleman and suitor to Juliet
- Samson & Gregory - Servants to the Capulet household
Other Characters
- Prince Escalus - The ruler of Verona
- Mercutio - A kinsman to the Prince and Romeo's friend
- Friar Laurence - A Franciscan friar and Romeo's confidant
- Friar John - A fellow friar
- The Apothecary - A poor shopkeeper
- Page to Paris - Attends Paris
Knowing the characters and their affiliations helps in understanding the dynamics of the play, as family ties and loyalties greatly influence the actions and fates of the characters. This categorization of clans and their associates is essential for dissecting the plot and themes presented in Romeo and Juliet.
Escalus, prince of Verona
Paris, a young nobleman
Montague, Capulet, heads of warring households
Old man, cousin to Capulet
Romeo, son to Montague
Mercutio, kinsman to the prince, and friend to Romeo
Benvolio, nephew to Montague, and friend to Romeo
Tybalt, nephew to Lady Capulet
Friar Laurence, Friar John, Franciscans
Balthasar, servant to Romeo
Sampson, Gregory, servants to Capulet
Peter, servant to Juliet's nurse
Abraham, servant to Montague
An Apothecary
Three Musicians
Page to Paris; another Page; an Officer
Lady Montague, wife to Montague
Lady Capulet, wife to Capulet
Juliet, daughter to Capulet
Nurse to Juliet
Citizens of Verona; Maskers, Guards, Watchmen, and Attendants
Chorus
