Romeo and Juliet Plot Overview: Act 1
Act 1: Scene 1
- The play opens up in the city of Verona, in a public space where a brawl breaks out between the servants of two rival families, the Montagues and the Capulets.
- Prince Escalus, the ruler of Verona, intervenes and declares that any further public fights between the two families will result in death.
- Romeo, son of Montague, is in a melancholic state due to his unrequited love for a woman named Rosaline.
Act 1: Scene 2
- Capulet is seen having a conversation with Paris, a kinsman of the Prince, who wishes to marry Juliet, Capulet's daughter. Capulet, however, feels Juliet is still too young.
- Capulet decides to host a feast to present Juliet to Paris and other potential suitors.
- A guest list for the feast is unintentionally handed over to Romeo and his friend Benvolio by a Capulet's servant who cannot read.
Act 1: Scene 3
- Lady Capulet, Juliet's mother, along with Nurse, discusses the issue of marriage with Juliet.
- Nurse, who has been a mother figure to Juliet, highlights the joy of becoming a wife and mother.
Act 1: Scene 4
- Romeo, Benvolio, and their humorous friend Mercutio, decide to attend the Capulet's feast, disguising themselves with masks.
Act 1: Scene 5
- During the feast, Romeo spots Juliet and falls in love at first sight, forgetting about Rosaline completely.
- A spiteful Tybalt recognises Romeo and wants to fight him, but Capulet reminds him of the Prince's decree.
- As the feast concludes, Romeo and Juliet share a passionate dialogue which culminates in a kiss.
- Only after leaving does Romeo learns from Nurse that Juliet is a Capulet and Juliet learns from Nurse that Romeo is a Montague.