Romeo and Juliet
Character Analysis Essay
Objective: Select a main character from Romeo and Juliet and complete a
comprehensive character analysis. Select three adjectives that describe the
character and use textual evidence to support your claim. These character traits
will be the basis of your essay
A. Paragraph #1: Hook, Overview of Character, Thesis Statement

Hook: Hook your readers into your essay by beginning with an interesting
quote, fact, anecdote, or question.

Overview of Character: Introduce your character

Thesis Statement: Select three adjectives to describe this person.
Example: Lord Capulet is a commanding, powerful, controlling character who
alienates his daughter Juliet in his quest for a perfect match.
B. Paragraph #2: Provide an explanation of Shakespeare’s characterization through
the character’s own words with details, examples & quotes to support.

Example: Lord Capulet is a commanding and authoritative character,
especially towards his daughter. When Juliet politely refuses to marry Paris,
he demands, “But fettle your fine joint ‘gainst Thursday next, To go with Paris
to Saint Peter’s Church, Or I will drag thee on a hurdle thither” (3.5).
C. Paragraph #3: Provide an explanation of Shakespeare’s characterization through
the character’s own actions with details, examples & quotes to support.

Example: Lord Capulet also demonstrates through his own actions that he is
a character who is powerful and forceful. In Act III he even makes the decision
that Juliet will marry Paris without consulting her first. He brags to Paris, “Sir,
I’ll make a rash offer of my daughter’s love. I think she’ll obey me in
everything” (3.4).
D. Paragraph #4: Provide an explanation of Shakespeare’s characterization through
others’ thoughts and actions with details, examples & quotes to support.

Example: Shakespeare continues to make it clear through other characters’
words that Lord Capulet is a father who is controlling and overreacts when
defied. Even the staff make note of his overbearing attitude and dare to
comment on it. When Juliet refuses to marry Paris, her father becomes enraged
and threatens to disown her. It is the Nurse who comes to her defense,
responding, “You are to blame, my lord, to rate her so” (3.5).
E. Paragraph #5 How does Shakespeare want us to feel about this character? How
do you feel about this character?
Format:
1. Your sketch should be formatted using MLA style rules:
Student Name
Teacher Name
Class Title
Due Date
Self-Created Title
Indent and begin introductory paragraph here. Double space your essay.
Your sketch should use direct quotes that are cited. List the act and the scene
separated by periods at the end of the quote but before the period.
Example: Nurse comes to Juliet’s defense, saying, “You are to blame, my lord, to rate
her so” (3.5).
Note: Play titles should always be italicized. (Romeo and Juliet)