As the scene opens, members of the Capulet house are bragging about how they will treat the Montague "dogs." They are spoiling for a fight. Not surprisingly, when they spot the Montagues, a fight erupts. Benvolio , true to his character, tries to prevent it and keep the peace.
The first scene of Romeo and Juliet is important because it establishes the feud beteween the Capulets and the Montagues, the two primary families in the play. It also introduces us to the characters of Romeo, Benvolio and Tybalt.
