Plot Points
This street fight between servants of two households opens the play.
Opening street fight between Capulets and Montagues?
Romeo’s loyal and humorous friend who loves wordplay.
Who is Mercutio?
“Star-crossed lovers” is an example of this device, hinting at fate.
What is foreshadowing?
“Wherefore art thou Romeo?” really means this.
What is “Why are you Romeo?”
Romeo sneaks into the Capulet party → this major event happens.
What is Romeo meeting Juliet?
Romeo and Juliet meet for the first time at this event.
What is the Capulet party?
Juliet’s closest confidante.
Who is the Nurse?
a character whose personality and attitude contrast sharply with those of another character
Foil
“Parting is such sweet sorrow” shows this mixed emotion.
What is love and sadness at the same time?
Tybalt kills Mercutio → Romeo responds by doing this.
What is killing Tybalt?
This character kills Mercutio, leading Romeo to seek revenge.
Tybalt
This friar secretly marries Romeo and Juliet.
Who is Friar Laurence?
When the audience knows more than the characters; helps build suspense
dramatic irony
“Peace? I hate the word…” reveals this character’s personality.
Who is Tybalt?
Romeo kills Tybalt → this punishment is given by the Prince.
What is Romeo being banished from Verona?
Juliet takes this risky plan to avoid marrying Paris.
What is drinking the sleeping potion?
Juliet’s arranged fiancé chosen by her parents.
Who is Paris?
a speech given by a character alone, exposes a character's thoughts and feelings to the audience
soliloquoy
“A plague o’ both your houses!” is said by this dying character.
Who is Mercutio?
Juliet refuses to marry Paris → her parents react in this way.
What is becoming angry and threatening to disown her?
This misunderstanding leads to the tragic ending of the play.
What is Romeo believing Juliet is dead?
This character delivers the news of Juliet’s “death” to Romeo.
Who is Balthasar?
“O brawling love! O loving hate!” is an example of this device.
What is oxymoron?
“For never was a story of more woe…” is spoken by this character.
Who is the Prince?
The family feud continues throughout the play → what larger consequence does it have by the end?
What is causing multiple deaths and eventual reconciliation?