R&J Novel Glossary

Montague’s servant, who fights with Sampson and Gregory in the first scene of the play.

Romeo’s dedicated servant, who brings Romeo the news of Juliet’s death, unaware that her death is a ruse.

Romeo counsin that...................

Paris is related to the Prince of Verona, and wants to marry Juliet. Her parents support the match but Juliet would rather die than leave Romeo and marry Paris. Paris is named after the Greek myth in which Paris of Troy abducts Helen of Sparta, starting the Trojan war.

A Franciscan friar charged by Friar Lawrence with taking the news of Juliet’s false death to Romeo in Mantua. Friar John is held up in a quarantined house, and the message never reaches Romeo

Two servants of the house of Capulet, who, like their master, hate the Montagues. At the outset of the play, they successfully provoke some Montague men into a fight.

Juliet is very young and innocent, just turning 14. She is the only daughter of Lord and Lady Capulet and is kept close to home, allowed out only to go to church. She and Romeo meet at the masquerade party that the Capulets hold at their mansion near the beginning of the play. Juliet keeps her love for Romeo a secret from her parents. She does not want to marry Count Paris and is prepared to risk her life to be with Romeo.

Juliets Mom

A Capulet servant who invites guests to Capulet’s feast and escorts the Nurse to meet with Romeo. He is illiterate, and a bad singer.

Escalus is the Prince of Verona. He is related to Mercutio and Paris. The name Escalus implies a scale of justice. The Prince is furious that the Montague and Capulet families continue to threaten civil war in his city-state. Finally, he announces that he will enforce the death penalty on any family members who disturb the peace.