Romeo and Juliet Act 1

Characters

100

Hot-headed nephew of Capulet, this character ignites the fight in Scene 1.

Tybalt

200

This character has been shutting himself up in his room and creating an “artificial night.” His family is trying to help him because they are worried about him.

Romeo

300

This character has asked Juliet’s father for her hand in marriage.

Paris

400

Romeo is depressed in Act 1 because this character does not return his love.

Rosaline

500

This character tries to be the peacemaker before the fight starts in Scene 1. He also tells Romeo that he must forget about his love and move on.

Benvolio

Characters 2

100

This character helped to raise Juliet, she tells stories about Juliet as an infant.

the Nurse

200

While everyone around this character is urging her to be married, she does not have much interest in marriage.

Juliet

300

This character is sick of the Capulets and Montagues fighting. He has threatened death to whoever participates in another public fight.

Prince Escalus

400

Mocking Romeo’s thoughts on love, this character delivers a long speech about dreams.

Mercutio

500

While speaking with Juliet about marriage, this character compares Juliet’s suitor to a book, implying that Juliet should consider marrying him.

Lady Capulet

Scenes 1,2, & 3

100

12.In Scene 1, why does the Prince call the Capulets and the Montagues “Rebellious subjects, enemies to peace, /Profaners of this neighbor-stained steel”?

The two families have been feuding.

200

What advice does Benvolio give to Romeo on how to deal with love?

Forget about the girl who broke your heart and move on. There are many other girls out there.

300

Which character provides comic relief in scene 3 by telling dirty jokes?

The Nurse.

400

Give two reasons why Lord Capulet is unwilling to offer Paris his daughters hand in marriage.

1. She is too young. 2. She is his last remaining child. 3. Paris may like other girls better.

500

Explain why Tybalt and Benvolio are foils of each other in Scene 1.

Benvolio acts as the peacemaker and tries to break up the fight. Tybalt acts as the aggressor and wants to fight.

Scenes 4 & 5

100

Why does Capulet's servant invite Romeo and Benvolio to the party?

He cannot read, and does not know that they are not invited.

200

Who notices Romeo at the party? How can he tell that it is Romeo?

Tybalt recognizes Romeo's voice.

300

What does Lord Capulet think about Romeo? What does he do that shows how he feels?

Capulet thinks Romeo is a nice boy. He tells Tybalt not to fight him.

400

In Scene 4, what reason does Romeo give for wanting to avoid the Capulets’ party?

He has dreamed that something bad will happen.

500

At the party, Romeo and Juliet join hands. What metaphor does Romeo use to compare their joined hands?

He compares them to pilgrims praying.