Character Overview: Romeo

• Romeo Montague is one of the two lead characters in William Shakespeare's tragic play "Romeo and Juliet".
• Romeo is initially presented as a passionate, young, impulsive lover, infatuated with Rosaline, but he quickly falls in love with Juliet.
• Shakespeare portrays Romeo as sensitive and sincere but also immature, demonstrated by his extreme emotions and rash decisions.
• Romeo epitomises courtly love; his speech is filled with poetic metaphors and similes, beautifying love and feelings.
• Romeo’s role in the play not only signifies the tragic consequences of love but also invokes questions about fate and free will.

Romeo's Development

• As the play progresses, Romeo's character undergoes significant change.
• His moving from the infatuation of Rosaline to the profound love he feels for Juliet depicts a development in his maturity and understanding of true love.
• The escalating violent situations, the death of his friend Mercutio and his resulting murderous act demonstrate a darker side of this initially light-hearted character.
• At the end of the play, Romeo’s tragic death signifies his ultimate commitment to Juliet and the impossible situation the ‘star-crossed’ lovers were placed in.

Key Relationships

• Romeo's relationships in the play profoundly contribute to his portrayal as a character.
• His friendship with Mercutio provides a lighter side of his personality whereas his enmity with Tybalt starkly contrasts his peace-loving nature.
• His profound love for Juliet is the key driving force of the play, characterised by its swift progression and tragic consequences.

Significant Actions

• Romeo's important actions include sneaking into the Capulet’s party and meeting Juliet, impulsively proposing to Juliet, killing Tybalt in revenge, and eventually taking his own life.
• These actions act as turning points, influencing the play’s direction and the fate of the characters dramatically.