Characters and Motivations Part 1
Note: There are other answers and quotes that may be correct. These are just some exemplar answers.
As you read Act I, record the major characters, descriptions, actions, motivations, and key quotations.
Character Name Character Description Actions and Motivations Key Quotations that Character Traits Reveal Character Traits
Romeo is moody, emotional, and His behavior, such as Many a morning hath he lovesick. staying out at night, there been seen, With tears sleeping at day, crying and augmenting the fresh sighing constantly is morning’s dew, bewildering his parents Adding to clouds more ROMEO clouds with his deep sighs (1.1.116-118). - Montague
Falls for Juliet the minute he Did my heart love till now? sees her, despite his pledge Forswear it, sight, hours ago that he would For I ne’er saw true beauty only love Rosaline. till this night (1.5.59-60).
Juliet is impulsive and enamoured. She falls for Romeo almost the My only love sprung from my instant she sees him. only hate! JULIET Too early seen unknown, and known too late (1.5.52-53).
A loving caretaker to Juliet Encourages Juliet to make a Go, girl, seek happy nights to good match by marrying happy days (1.3.113). Paris.
NURSE
Grade 9: Romeo and Juliet
Believes she is a good mother, but Tries to convince Juliet to Well, think of marriage now. considers society and honor more than marry Paris. Younger than you Here in LADY her daughter’s happiness. Verona, ladies of esteem, Are made already mothers CAPULET (1.3.76-77).
Noble gentlemen who cares for his family. Asks Tybalt to stand down Therefore be patient. Take no when he spies Romeo at the note of him. party. It is my will, the which if thou respect (1.5.80-81). CAPULET
Mercutio is hot-headed and quick to be Encourages Romeo to seek If love be rough with you, be filled with passion. power in love and tame it for rough with love. his own interests. Prick love for pricking, and you beat love down MERCUTIO (1.4.28-29).
His tendency to escalate a What, drawn and talk of fight demonstrates his peace? mercurial temper I hate the word Tybalt is hotheaded and volatile. As I hate hell, all Montagues, TYBALT and thee. Have at thee, coward! (1.1.55-57). -Tybalt
His actions, such as Part, fools! Benvolio is peaceful and calm. attempting to break up the Put up your swords, you brawl in the street and know not what you do mediating between Lord (1.1.49-50). -Benvolio BENVOLIO Montague and Romeo show his concern for others.
Encourages Romeo to find Take thou some new infection another love. to thy eye, And the rank poison of the old Good friend will die (1.2.51-52). - Benvolio
Paris is eager and honorable Asks Lord Capulet for Juliet’s Younger than she are happy hand in marriage even though mothers made (1.2.12). - Paris she is young. PARIS
Grade 9: Romeo and Juliet