If the video doesn’t load please try refreshing the page. If the problem persists make sure you have the latest version of the Flash player or watch the videos on our RecAPP iPhone and iPod application.

There’s Romeo. There’s Juliet. There are oddball characters with funny-sounding names. But that’s only half the story. The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare tells the story of two feuding clans, the Montagues and the Capulets, brought together in fresh conflict by two naïve lovers, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet. Give us a minute and we’ll show you how all the names line up.

Video Transcription:

Having trouble remembering who’s a Montague and who’s a Capulet? I’ve got the lowdown on both these families—and their players—next.

First, a memory trick.

All the main characters who are Montagues have names that end with vowel combinations—just like the name Montague. Romeo, Bevolio, Mercutio. Easy, right?

Same thing for the Capulets. All the main characters who are Capulets have names that end with consonants, just like the name Capulet. Juliet and Tybalt—see?

On to the characters themselves!

You know main characters Romeo and Juliet. Remember this about these star-crossed lovers: They’re very young and very passionate. Their speeches are filled with flowery and romantic language. And their decisions about love? They’re not particularly well thought-out.

Quite a contrast to their parents, who are measured and controlled.

Speaking of contrasts, two other characters to remember are Mercutio and Tybalt.

Think of Mercutio as the guy who keeps everyone honest. His sarcasm plays against the grandeur and loftiness of the other characters’ speeches.

Tybalt is the hot-blooded one—the one whose hot-bloodedness is contrasted with Capulet’s measured behavior in Act I. Now remember that, because we’ll be talking more about the importance of these contrasts in Recap 8.