The Protagonist in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet

William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, is a timeless tale of love, passion, and tragedy. The play revolves around the two young lovers, Romeo and Juliet, who hail from feuding families in Verona. While both characters play crucial roles in the story, Romeo emerges as the true protagonist due to his active participation in the plot, his development as a character, and his ultimate tragic fate. Through an analysis of key moments in the play, it becomes evident that Romeo’s actions and decisions drive the narrative forward, making him the central figure in the story.

Romeo’s role as the protagonist is established early on in the play through his active involvement in the major events that unfold. From the moment he first lays eyes on Juliet, Romeo is driven by his passionate love for her. His pursuit of this love leads him to trespass into the Capulet’s party, where he first meets Juliet. This action sets the stage for the entire tragic story, as it is at this party that the two young lovers fall deeply in love, setting in motion the chain of events that will ultimately lead to their untimely deaths. Romeo’s active pursuit of Juliet, despite the risks involved, demonstrates his determination and willingness to take action to achieve his desires.

Furthermore, Romeo’s development as a character throughout the play solidifies his status as the protagonist. At the beginning of the play, Romeo is portrayed as a young and impulsive lover, easily swayed by his emotions. However, as the story progresses, Romeo undergoes a transformation and becomes more mature and reflective. This growth is evident in his interactions with characters such as Friar Lawrence, who serves as a mentor figure to Romeo. Through his conversations with the Friar, Romeo gains wisdom and insight, showing his capacity for self-reflection and personal growth. This transformation highlights Romeo’s journey as the central character, as he evolves from a naive and impulsive youth to a more thoughtful and tragic figure.

One of the most crucial moments that solidifies Romeo’s role as the protagonist is his ultimate tragic fate. Despite his best intentions and efforts to unite with Juliet, Romeo’s actions ultimately lead to the death of both himself and his beloved. This tragic ending serves as the climax of the play and highlights Romeo’s central role as the driving force behind the tragedy. It is through his impulsive decision to take his own life upon hearing of Juliet’s apparent death that the tragic events unfold. Romeo’s tragic fate emphasizes his importance as the protagonist, as his actions and their consequences shape the entire narrative of the play.

In conclusion, Romeo emerges as the protagonist in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet due to his active participation in the plot, his development as a character, and his ultimate tragic fate. Romeo’s actions and decisions drive the narrative forward and set in motion the events that lead to the tragic ending. His growth as a character, from a impulsive lover to a more reflective and tragic figure, showcases his central role in the story. Ultimately, Romeo’s tragic fate solidifies his position as the protagonist, as his actions shape the entire narrative and leave a lasting impact on the audience. The character of Romeo serves as a reminder of the power of love and the devastating consequences that can arise from impulsive decisions.

Works Cited

Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. Edited by Brian Gibbons, Oxford University Press, 2000.