This lesson plan helps students analyze the major characters in *Romeo and Juliet* by William Shakespeare using a visual character map.
Subject: English Language Arts · Grade: 9–11 · Time: 45–60 minutes
Major characters
Romeo Montague
- Role: Protagonist
- Traits: Passionate, impulsive, romantic, emotional
- Motivation: Love for Juliet
- Development: From lovesick boy to committed lover to tragic figure
Juliet Capulet
- Role: Protagonist
- Traits: Innocent, mature, brave, loyal
- Motivation: Love for Romeo, independence
- Development: From obedient daughter to independent woman
Mercutio
- Role: Romeo's friend
- Traits: Witty, cynical, loyal, volatile
- Motivation: Supporting Romeo, enjoying life
- Development: His death triggers the tragedy
Tybalt
- Role: Antagonist
- Traits: Aggressive, proud, hateful, skilled fighter
- Motivation: Hating Montagues, family honor
- Development: His aggression escalates the conflict
The Nurse
- Role: Juliet's caretaker
- Traits: Talkative, loving, practical, bawdy
- Motivation: Juliet's happiness
- Development: Advises Juliet to marry Paris after Romeo's banishment
Activity: Character map storyboard
- Open Storyboard Creator
- Choose 3 characters from above
- For each character, create panels showing traits, motivations and key moments
- Export PDF or share a live link