Romeo is the only son of the Montague family who reside in Verona. He is in his mid-teens and is well versed in Petrarchan style poetry which is highly evident through his speaking style and particular evident in monologue and soliloquy form. He is a good companion and has a good relationship with most of the characters in the play. He is espe- cially close with Mercutio before his death, and his confidant, Friar Lawrence. Even Capulet admits throughout the play, despite Romeo being a member of the enemy family, that he is a virtuous young man. It is also clear, through the series of events that occur, that Romeo is highly emotional and very prone to acting out and being impulsive. At the beginning of the play, he has very little interest in the Montague vs. Capulet feud; at the opening, the majority of his time is spent pining over his love Rosaline, who does not return his affections. Evidence of this disinterest is demonstrated when he comes across yet another street brawl between the two families. Whilst he notices it, and briefly comments on its occurrence, he quickly turns his commentary of the brawl into one of his love for Rosaline.
This love, however, is washed away immediately when Romeo sees Juliet at the Capulets’ family feast. He meets with her in secret, Juliet on her balcony and him in the garden, and while speaking to her, his use of language changes. He ceases to use the stylised language he had been employing to describe his unattainable love Rosaline, and instead falls into a more natural prose when he extols the reality and purity of Juliet.
