Why does Friar Laurence help Romeo and Juliet?

He hopes their marriage will turn the quarrel between the Montagues and Capulets into friendship. He also cares about both young people and wants to protect them when trouble comes.

What is Friar Laurence’s plan for Juliet?

He gives her a potion that makes her look as if she has died, so she can avoid marrying Paris. The plan is for Romeo to come and take her away when she wakes.

Why does Friar Laurence’s plan go wrong?

His letter to Romeo is never delivered, so Romeo only hears that Juliet has died. He rushes to the tomb before the friar can explain.

From Romeo and Juliet

Friar Laurence

Wise Verona friar • Maker of peace

A kind, wise friar who tends his herb garden and hopes to bring peace to Verona.

Who is Friar Laurence?

Friar Laurence is a gentle monk who grows lavender, sage and mint in his garden and knows how herbs can heal. When Romeo and Juliet fall in love, he agrees to marry them in secret, hoping their love will turn their families’ old fight into friendship. He is wise and hopeful, and he tries his very best to help the young couple when trouble comes.

Friar Laurence is a character in Romeo and Juliet, the 1597 play by William Shakespeare, retold for ages 6–9 by Sean Lee.

What is Friar Laurence like?

Wise
Hopeful
Peaceful

Friar Laurence’s story

Friar Laurence is a Franciscan monk in Verona. Romeo goes to him first with his troubles, and the friar is startled to hear that Romeo has forgotten his old sweetheart Rosaline and now loves Juliet. Still, he agrees to marry the pair in secret, because he hopes the match will end the feud between their families.

When Romeo is banished from Verona for the fight with Tybalt, the friar comforts him and helps arrange one night for the couple together before Romeo leaves. Then, when Juliet’s father plans her wedding to Paris, the friar gives her a sleeping potion that will make her seem lifeless for a short time. He promises to send word to Romeo, but the letter never arrives.

The friar hurries to the family tomb too late. Romeo and Juliet are both dead. In the final scene he tells the whole story to the Prince and the two families, and their grief finally brings the feud to an end.

“Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast.”

Friar Laurence, advising Romeo to take care, Act 2. From the original 1597 play by William Shakespeare.

A moment to remember

Early one morning, Romeo dashes into the friar’s cell glowing with joy, and the friar chuckles because he has never seen the boy so wide awake at sunrise.

Romeo Montague: young friend who confides in him
Juliet Capulet: young bride he secretly marries
The Nurse: helper in the secret wedding plans

Talk about it

Friar Laurence hoped one wedding could help two families stop fighting. What are some ways people can make peace after an argument?

Questions about Friar Laurence

Why does Friar Laurence help Romeo and Juliet?: He hopes their marriage will turn the quarrel between the Montagues and Capulets into friendship. He also cares about both young people and wants to protect them when trouble comes.
What is Friar Laurence’s plan for Juliet?: He gives her a potion that makes her look as if she has died, so she can avoid marrying Paris. The plan is for Romeo to come and take her away when she wakes.
Why does Friar Laurence’s plan go wrong?: His letter to Romeo is never delivered, so Romeo only hears that Juliet has died. He rushes to the tomb before the friar can explain.