Romeo and Juliet – Key Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the principal characters, concepts, and notable quotations from the lecture on Romeo and Juliet.

Verona

The Italian city where the action of Romeo and Juliet takes place and the Montague-Capulet feud dominates public life.

Montagues

One of the two noble families locked in an ancient feud; Romeo’s family.

Capulets

The rival noble family to the Montagues; Juliet’s family.

Feud

Long-standing, bitter hostility between the Montagues and Capulets that fuels violence throughout the play.

Romeo Montague

Teenage son of Lord Montague, initially lovesick over Rosaline but falls passionately in love with Juliet.

Juliet Capulet

Thirteen-year-old daughter of Lord Capulet who defies her family by secretly marrying Romeo.

Rosaline

The woman Romeo pines for at the start of the play; she does not return his affection.

Benvolio

Romeo’s peace-loving cousin who tries to defuse conflicts and consoles Romeo about Rosaline.

Mercutio

Romeo’s witty, hot-headed best friend whose death at Tybalt’s hand sparks Romeo’s revenge.

Tybalt

Juliet’s fiery cousin who despises the Montagues and kills Mercutio, prompting Romeo to kill him.

Paris

Nobleman favored by Juliet’s parents as a husband; unaware of her secret marriage to Romeo.

Friar Laurence

Well-intentioned priest who marries Romeo and Juliet in hopes of ending the feud and devises the fatal potion plan.

“These violent delights have violent ends.”

Friar Laurence’s warning that intense, rash passions can lead to disastrous consequences.

Banishment

Romeo’s punishment for killing Tybalt; he is exiled from Verona instead of being executed.

Sleeping Potion

Elixir given to Juliet by Friar Laurence to simulate death so she can avoid marrying Paris.

“A plague o' both your houses!”

Mercutio’s dying curse blaming both Montagues and Capulets for the violence that killed him.

“O happy dagger,”

Juliet’s exclamation before she kills herself, expressing that the dagger will reunite her with Romeo in death.

Tragic Fate

The idea that Romeo and Juliet are “star-crossed lovers” doomed by circumstances and rash choices leading to their deaths.

Reconciliation

The peace that finally comes when the Montagues and Capulets end their feud after the lovers’ deaths, though it arrives too late.