Romeo and Juliet Introduction (Book)

House of Montague

Age: Uncertain

Main Characteristics: Maternal, Sensitive

Associates: Loard Montague, Members of the Montague family

Description: Montague's wife is the matriarch of the house of Montague, and the mother of Romeo and aunt of Benvolio. She appears twice within the play: in act one, scene one she first restrains Montague from entering the quarrel himself, and later speaks with Benvolio about the same quarrel. She returns with her husband and the Prince in act three, scene one to see what the trouble is, and is there informed of Romeo's banishment. She dies of grief offstage soon after (mentioned in act five). She is very protective of her son Romeo and is very happy when Benvolio tells her that Romeo was not involved in the brawl that happened between the Capulets and Montagues. When Romeo was banished his mother was heartbroken and then she died. As with Capulet's wife, calling her "Lady Montague" is a later invention not supported by the earliest texts.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Characters_in_Romeo_and_Juliet#Montague.27s_wife