Romeo and Juliet
Romeo's Characteristics
Impulsive
Romeo Montague possess an impulsive characteristic, which is doing things or tending to do things suddenly and without careful thought and acting or tending to act on impulse. Romeo shows this characteristic many times throughout the story of “Romeo and Juliet”. During scene Act III, Scene i where Romeo became impulsive by wanting revenge against Tybalt for killing Mercutio, who was a friend of Romeo. Except, this decision leads to Romeo killing Tybalt, but he realizes that he will be punished by death and that he must leave without being found. So if Romeo decided to think about the outcome of chasing after Tybalt, he would have never been banished from Verona and be sent away from Juliet. Romeo acts impulsive when he asks Friar Laurence to marry him and his new love named Juliet Capulet, but Romeo does not think about the consequences of marrying his family’s worst enemy. Romeo soon discovers that this decision was a mistake because Juliet becomes emotionally depressed from Romeo being banished and never being able to see his wife ever again without secretly seeing her. So this characteristic that Romeo possess is not a positive characteristic in this story from causing too many problems.
Protective
Romeo is also a protective character who has the quality or function of protecting. Romeo shows the readers that he is protective at the beginning by attempting to stop Mercutio and Tybalt from fighting because he did not want anyone to get seriously hurt. So he decides to stand in between the two while they fought each other with their swords. Romeo was able to protect them for a few moments until Tybalt pushes his sword past Romeo and into Mercutio. However, Romeo still wants revenge against Tybalt for killing his friend he was only trying to protect.
Polite
Romeo is also a polite and well-governed gentleman. Lord Capulet described Romeo at his party saying “Calm down, gentle cousin. Leave him alone. He carries himself like a dignified gentleman, and, to tell you the truth, he has a reputation throughout Verona as a virtuous and well-behaved young man. I wouldn't insult him in my own house for all the wealth in this town. So calm down. Just ignore him. That’s what I want, and if you respect my wishes, you’ll look nice and stop frowning because that’s not the way you should behave at a feast.” Romeo is polite because he uses good manners toward others.
Brave
Romeo is also a brave character because he is courageous. Romeo visited Juliet at her household at night when he would be killed if he was seen by any member of the Capulet family. However, he would not leave until he was done talking to Juliet. Romeo shows the reader his courage when he decides to fight Tybalt and Paris who are skilled fighters, but he still fights them and wins both times.
Emotional
Romeo is also very emotional, which is showing or revealing very strong emotions. Romeo became emotional when he found Juliet laying in the tomb and was unaware that she was still alive. Romeo was also emotional when he first saw Juliet at the Capulet’s party. He told Juliet “If I profane with my unworthiest hand this holy shrine, the gentle sin is this: my lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand to smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss.” This shows the emotions that Romeo has for Juliet.
Confused
Romeo is also confused towards the beginning of the story because Romeo feels that he understands what love means, but Romeo does not really feel love. His love to Rosaline was just him attracted to her physical appearances. Romeo does learn the meaning of love because him and Juliet do share a relationship where the two of them do love each other.
The Fight
Romeo shows he is protective by attempting to stop the fight between Tybalt and Mercutio. Romeo wants to stop the fight because he does not want anyone to get hurt.
The Relationship
Romeo shows he is emotional by giving his feelings and emotions towards Juliet.
Capulet's Household
Romeo shows he is brave by secretly visiting Juliet, even though his punishment for being found would be death because of the hatred between the two families.