Romeo and Juliet Study Guide

Romeo and Juliet

• A foil is a literary character that contrasts with another character to highlight their qualities.
• Tybalt is Juliet's cousin and a rival of the Montagues, while Mercutio is Romeo's friend.
• Romeo claims to love Tybalt because he has married Juliet, Tybalt's cousin, and feels a sense of unity with him through his love for Juliet.
• Dramatic irony is a literary device where the audience knows something the characters do not, often creating tension or humor.
• Word play or pun is a literary device using words with multiple meanings or sounds similar to another word to create humor or emphasize a point.
• Mercutio's death serves as a turning point for Romeo, leading him to seek revenge against Tybalt.
• A tragic hero typically has a tragic flaw that contributes to their downfall.

Character List

• Benvolio: A Montague and Romeo's friend.
• Capulet: Juliet's father and a rival of the Montagues.
• Lady Capulet: Juliet's mother.
• Lady Montague: Romeo's mother.
• Mercutio: A friend of Romeo's.
• Montague: Romeo's father and a rival of the Capulets.
• Paris: A suitor of Juliet's hand in marriage.
• Prince: The ruler of Verona, trying to keep peace between the Montagues and Capulets.
• Romeo: The protagonist, a Montague who falls in love with Juliet.
• Rosaline: The woman Romeo claims to love at the start of the play.
• Tybalt: Juliet's cousin and a rival of the Montagues.
• Friar Lawrence: A wise and understanding priest who marries Romeo and Juliet.
• Juliet: The protagonist, a Capulet who falls in love with Romeo.
• Nurse: Juliet's loyal and trusted nurse.

The Odyssey

• Eurymone: A loyal servant who fits the archetype of a loyal servant.