Romeo and Juliet Characters

Chorus an on-stage commentator on the events of the play (usually a single person)
Prince Escalus the Prince and leader of Verona, who is concerned primarily with keeping order in the city
Paris a kinsman of Prince Escalus who wants to marry Juliet
Montague Romeo’s father, Lady Montague’s husband, and Benvolio’s uncle. The leader of the Montague household, and quick to anger at his bitter rival, Capulet.
Capulet Juliet’s father, Lady Capulet’s husband, and Tybalt’s uncle. He is the leader of the Capulet family, and an enemy of Montague.
Old Capulet old man of the Capulet family
Romeo The sixteen-year-old son of Montague and Lady Montague. His defining characteristic is the intensity of his emotions—whether in anger, love, or despair. He’s also intelligent, quick-witted, loved by his friends, and not a bad swordsmen.
Tybalt The nephew of Capulet, and Juliet’s cousin. A hothead consumed by issues of honor and well known for his skill with a sword, he hates the Montagues with a profound passion.
Mercutio Romeo’s close friend, and a kinsmen of Prince Escalus, who is a wild, antic, and brooding youth
Benvolio Montague’s nephew, Romeo’s cousin., and Mercutio’s friend. Of the three boys, he is the most calm and the least quick-witted.
Friar Laurence a Franciscan monk and a friend to both Romeo and Juliet
Friar John a Franciscan friar
Balthasar & Abraham servants to Montague
Sampson & Gregory servants to Capulet
Peter an illiterate Capulet servant
An apothecary a poor apothecary (a drug seller) in Mantua
Lady Montague Montague’s wife and Romeo’s mother
Lady Capulet Juliet’s mother, and Capulet’s wife
Juliet The beautiful thirteen-year-old daughter of Capulet and Lady Capulet, and cousins with Tybalt. The Nurse is her closest friend and advisor.
Nurse a servant who nursed Juliet as a baby, and raised her through childhood. She is Juliet’s best friend and confidante.
Rosaline a young woman who has taken a vow of chastity, yet with whom Romeo is infatuated at the beginning of the play.