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Two dancers with swords jousting on stage

Romeo & Juliet Characters

Romeo against a background bathed in blue light stands on his toes, back straight, and an arm raised above his head

Romeo

The son of Lord and Lady Montague. Romeo is a handsome and free-spirited young man. His family are trapped in a long feud with the Capulet family. He is passionate, often acts impulsively and falls in love with Juliet – the daughter of his family’s rivals.
Juliet stands en point with a leg extended behind her

Juliet

The daughter of Lord and Lady Capulet. Juliet is a beautiful, headstrong, and passionate young woman. She quickly falls in love with Romeo when they first meet at the Capulet ball and becomes torn between her family and duty to them.
Dancer joyously leaps high above the stage while others look on in wonderment

Mercutio

One of Romeo’s closest friends, Mercutio is loyal and quick to help his friend whenever necessary. Known for his wit and imagination, but also his hot headedness Mercutio often finds himself swept up by quarrels in the marketplace.
A Friar lifts a dark vial and looks pensive

Friar Lawrence

Friar Lawrence is a Franciscan monk, and a trusted advisor of both Juliet and Romeo. He wants peace to be restored between the Montagues and Capulets.
Dagger in one hand, sword in the other, Tybalt has blood on his face but swings wildly for his opponent

Tybalt

Nephew to Lord and Lady Capulet, Tybalt is proud and vain but also protective over his cousin Juliet. He is quick to draw his sword and is often the one leading the battles against the Montagues.
Trio of men stand next to each other, leaning in, the right hands on each other making a pledge

Benvolio

A close friend of Romeo, Benvolio is the peacemaker out of the three friends. He is always at hand to support Romeo and stand by his side.
Paris dressed in a masque and in black provides Juliet with balance by holding her raised arm as she stands en pointe with a leg extended behind her

Count Paris

Count Paris is a suitor to Juliet, and we first meet him when he asks Lord Capulet for permission to marry his daughter.
The nurse wails while holding the hand of the apparently deceased Juliet

The Nurse

The Nurse works in the Capulet household and has cared for Juliet since she was a baby. She passes letters between Romeo and Juliet and is the person who Juliet confides in the most.
Fathers of warring houses are shocked at the death of one of their daughters

Lord Montague

Lord Montague is Romeo’s father. He is the sworn enemy of the Capulets and concerned for Romeo’s safety.
Lord Capulet look at his daughter angrily as she struggles on the floor in front of him.

Lord Capulet

Lord Capulet is head of the family; he has a fiery temper and intends for his daughter Juliet to marry Count Paris. He is protective over Juliet and is the sworn enemy of the Montagues.
Dressed in black and gold, the imperious Lady Capulet looks displeased

Lady Capulet

Wife to Lord Capulet. Lady Capulet married young and is keen for her daughter to marry Count Paris.

Header image from Romeo & Juliet with dancers Harry Skoupas and Joseph Taylor as Tybalt and Romeo. Photo Tristram Kenton. Character images by Tristram Kenton, Kyle Baines, and Emily Nuttall.