William Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet in the late 1500s in England. The play is about two young lovers, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, whose families are embroiled in an ancient feud. It is written in blank verse with some of its most famous lines still quoted today. The main characters are Romeo, a Montague, who falls in love with Juliet, a Capulet, and their families' feud prevents them from being together, ultimately leading to the tragic deaths of Romeo and Juliet.

1. Romeo and Juliet Introduction
English 9
E-Learning
April 2020

2. About the Author
• William Shakespeare
– Born 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon (England)
– Became a famous actor and playwright when he
moved to London
– Wrote at least 37 plays and many sonnets
• Theaters became popular during this time
– Very first theaters were built near where
Shakespeare grew up

4. Play Characteristics
• No sets or scenes
• Blank Verse
– Unrhymed lines with ten syllables
– Tried to make actor’s lines close to natural speech
of that time
– Used poetic imagery
• Some of the lines used in Romeo and Juliet are alluded
to often still today.

5. Romeo and Juliet Characters
• Two Families
• These families have been at war with each
other since far before the play starts.
– Montagues
• The more peaceful family, as they try to avoid fights
whenever possible.
– Capulets
• The more aggressive family. They either cause conflict,
or look for conflict. More attention is given to this
family in the play.

6. House of Montague
• Romeo
– The only son of Lord and Lady Montague
– Is in love with Rosaline, Juliet’s cousin, at the
beginning of the play, but falls in love with Juliet
as soon as he sees her.
• Benvolio
– Romeo’s cousin
– Is a good influence and voice of reason for Romeo.
Fights to keep the peace between the families.

7. House of Montague
• Mercutio
– Romeo’s best friend
– Loves drama and conflict. He often feuds with the
Capulets
• Friar Laurence
– Local priest and confidant of Romeo
• Lord and Lady Montague
– Romeo’s parents

8. House of Capulet
• Juliet
– The only daughter of Lord and Lady Capulet
– Is being courted by Paris
• Tybalt
– Juliet’s cousin
– Is very aggressive and violent
– HATES the Montagues

9. House of Capulet
• Paris
– Requests Juliet’s hand in marriage. This would be
an arranged marriage for Juliet
– Is not involved in any of the conflict
• Nurse
– Caretaker and confidant of Juliet
• Lord and Lady Capulet
– Juliet’s parents

10. Other Characters
• Prince
– Head of law enforcement of Verona
– Has tried for years to end the family feuding
• Chorus
– Serves to offer background information and
narration of the story.