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Escalus: The Prince of Verona.� A dedicated ruler and a fair man. He is tired of the feuding and is eager to punish those who use violence in his town.

Paris: A relative of the Prince. A gentleman, honest and sincere, he wishes to marry Juliet. Lord Capulet believes that Paris would make a good husband for his daughter.

Lord Montague: The head of one of the feuding families and Romeo�s father. Appears to be a concerned parent, hates the Capulets.

Lord Capulet: The head of the second feuding family. Is a very strict parent who believes his daughter should do as she�s told. Hates the Montagues.

Lady Montague: We don�t see too much of her in the play. Is worried about her son, Romeo.

Lady Capulet: Doesn�t appear to know her daughter, Juliet, very well at all.

Romeo: Appears a little immature at first. Is impetuous and thoughtful, respected by all as a kind, considerate person. Does not appear committed to the feud. His love for Juliet is complete. Grows in stature as the play develops; seems doomed by fate.

Juliet: The true heroic figure of the play. Grows from an immature, obedient girl, to a determined, brave young woman in the short course of the play. Is prepared to abandon everyone and everything for Romeo.

Nurse: Juliet�s closest ally in the early stages of the play. A comic character whom Lady Capulet relies upon to communicate with her daughter.

Friar Lawrence: Romeo�s ally � agrees to marry the young lovers secretly in the hope that it will end the feud. A herbalist, an honest man, a holy man, a meek man who is, ultimately, very human.

Mercutio: "Mercurial" friend of Romeo who likes to speak and act in a frenzy.

Benvolio: Romeo�s "good-willed" friend. A heroic figure who tries to be reasonable and fair at all times. Lord Montague is his uncle.

Tybalt: "The Prince of Cats" is the antagonist of the play. Always spoiling for a fight, always causing trouble. Determined to ensure that the feud never dies; an expert swordsman.