Romeo is the male lead in the play and acts as the play’s hero. He is central to the plot through his relationship with Juliet, the heroine, and many of Romeo’s choices govern the action in the play. For example, his choice to go to the Capulet feast against his better judgement leads to him meeting Juliet. His choice to avenge Mercutio’s death leads to his banishment and the desperate plan he and Juliet embark upon to be reunited, which ends in their death.
TIP:
It is important to look at Romeo’s actions in Act V Scene 3. Make notes on what he does and why you think he acts as he does (for example, lying to Balthasar and killing Paris in fury). Do these actions match our earlier impressions of Romeo’s character? Is Romeo just the sensitive and romantic young man we considered him to be in Act I?
