Who is Romeo in love with before Juliet?

Romeo is first in love with Rosaline, who does not return his feelings. He forgets her almost at once when he sees Juliet.

Who does Romeo kill in Romeo and Juliet?

He kills Tybalt after Tybalt kills Mercutio. Later, at the tomb, he also kills Count Paris.

Why is Romeo banished?

Street fighting in Verona was forbidden, and Romeo killed Tybalt in one. Instead of putting him to death, the Prince sends him away from the city.

From Romeo and Juliet

Romeo Montague

Son of Montague • Gentle dreamer

A thoughtful young Montague who believes in poetry and peaceful love instead of fighting.

Who is Romeo Montague?

Romeo Montague is a gentle dreamer who loves poetry far more than sword fights. When he sneaks into the Capulet party, he sees Juliet and falls in love at first sight, even though their families are enemies. Romeo asks Friar Laurence to marry them in secret and tries to make peace with Tybalt, but his quick heart also leads him into hasty choices.

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

What is Romeo Montague like?

Romantic
Gentle
Impulsive

Romeo Montague’s story

When the play begins, Romeo is sighing over a girl named Rosaline, who does not love him back. His cousin Benvolio and friend Mercutio try to cheer him up. Then he sneaks into the Capulet party and sees Juliet, and everything changes. He climbs into the Capulet garden to speak to her, and the friar marries them the next day.

Romeo tries to keep the peace. When Tybalt challenges him, he refuses to fight. But Tybalt kills Mercutio, and in his grief Romeo fights back and Tybalt dies. The Prince does not put him to death, but banishes him from Verona.

Romeo hears that Juliet has died, not knowing about the sleeping potion. He buys poison, goes to her tomb, and fights Count Paris there, who dies. Romeo drinks the poison beside Juliet and dies. The sorrow of both families finally ends the feud.

“He jests at scars that never felt a wound.”

Romeo, outside Juliet’s window, Act 2. From the original 1597 play by William Shakespeare.

A moment to remember

Hiding in the moonlit orchard, Romeo steps out from the vines and calls up to Juliet that he would give up the name Montague for her.

Juliet Capulet: wife
Mercutio: best friend
Friar Laurence: trusted adviser
Tybalt: enemy and Juliet’s cousin
Lord Capulet: father of his wife

Talk about it

Romeo often acted quickly, following his feelings. Why is it a good idea to slow down and think before making a big choice?

Questions about Romeo Montague

Who is Romeo in love with before Juliet?: Romeo is first in love with Rosaline, who does not return his feelings. He forgets her almost at once when he sees Juliet.
Who does Romeo kill in Romeo and Juliet?: He kills Tybalt after Tybalt kills Mercutio. Later, at the tomb, he also kills Count Paris.
Why is Romeo banished?: Street fighting in Verona was forbidden, and Romeo killed Tybalt in one. Instead of putting him to death, the Prince sends him away from the city.