Romeo & Juliet

by
William Shakespeare

Romeo & Juliet Background Info

Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy

written early in the career of
William Shakespeare. Two
teenagers from rival families fall in
love. Their star-crossed love has a
major impact on their family and
the rest of the city.

Written around 1597

Not originally created by Shakespeare

but he expanded the plot and
developed supporting characters

The story of lovers in difficult

There have been over 40 movie versions and countless

stage adaptations

Some have taken place in a traditional setting while others

have been in modern or different settings

The Older Characters

Most of the older characters are rich and

powerful. Theyre used to getting
whatever they want whenever they want
it, and to having people do what they say
when they say it.

Lord Montague, Romeo's father, is the

head of the Montague family.

Lord Capulet, Juliet's father, is the head

of the Capulet family.

Prince Escalus is the ruler of Verona; he

has the power to imprison or kill people,
if he so desires.

The Younger Characters

Most of the main characters are young,

immature, and rich. Theyre used to getting
whatever they want whenever they want it.

Romeo, in particular, can be seen as immature,

rash or whiny.

Benvolio, his cousin, usually tries to do the right

thing.

Mercutio, Romeos best friend, is a loudmouthed braggart who acts wild and usually
gets away with it because hes related to the
ruler of Verona.

Tybalt is an angry young Capulet who loves to

fight, especially with the Montagues.

Other Characters

Some characters serve as comic

relief, especially Juliet's nurse, who
loves to hear herself talk and tell
crude jokes

There are other characters who are

supposed to be wise and provide
guidance to the younger characters.

Friar Lawrence is Romeos priest.

He is particularly interested in
botany and chemistry. Because
priests are one of the few groups of

The Setting

The play is set in Verona, Italy

Veronas main area was a town

square, which featured small
shops and many of people
selling or buying goods

The Prologue
A prologue was a techinque
used at the beginning of
Elizabethan plays to
establish setting and give
important background
information about the play
In Latin its name literally

The Chorus
A group (sometimes a single
person) that recites the prologue.
The Chorus captures the attention
of the audience, describes the
action, asks the audience to use
their imaginations, and apologizes
for the limitations of the
performance.