Mercutio Character Analysis Essay Example

Mercutio is one of the most important characters in the first 3 acts of “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare. In the play, Mercutio is first introduced in act 1 scene 4 during the masquerade ball. Mercutio is a very eccentric and charismatic character and is always talking about something. As a character, Mercutio can be described in many ways but three main traits he has are comedic, optimistic, and loyal.

One of Mercutio's most evident character traits is that he is humorous. Almost always, Mercutio has something funny or comedic to say. That being said, he always seems to have a reason behind his wit or comedic statement. A first clear example comes from act 1 scene 4, a little bit after he is first introduced. “She is the fairies' midwife, and she comes In shape no bigger than an agate stone On the forefinger of an alderman, Drawn with a team of little atomi Over men’s noses as they lie asleep.” (54-58 Act I, Scene IV) In this quote, mercutio is teasing Romeo for his strong Feelings of love. Another great example is the quote  “Appear thou in likeness of a sigh! Speak one rhyme and I am satisfied, Cry but 'Ay me,' pronounce but ‘love’ and ‘dove’...” Mercutio is once again making fun of Romeo's strong feelings on love. Mercutio always had something humorous and witty to say, even as he was dying. The Quote “ Ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man.” (93-94 Act III Scene I) This quote takes place right after Tybalt had stabbed Mercucio after Romeo had come between the two as they were fighting. The crowd around them had not yet realized that mercutio had been stabbed and they thought he was just joking, which although he did somewhat mean it as a joke he was in dire condition. These instances also support another character trait of mercutio, that is his anti- romantic nature.

Similar to his humor, it is quickly apparent that Mercutio is anti-romantic. He makes his opinions on love quickly apparent, in act I scene IV he is cracking jokes and teasing Romeo but he is also making statements about love. He is showing how he doesn’t like Romeo's opinion on love. Another example of Mercutio's opinion on love is this quote from act I scene IV “If love be rough with you, be rough with love. Prick love for pricking, and you beat love down.” Here, Mercutio is suggesting to Romeo that he should beat love down if he can’t get it. Mercutio knows how much of a romantic Romeo is but he says this either way. Furthermore, in act II scene IV Mercucio says “If love be blind, love cannot hit the mark.” Once more, Mercutio is opposing love and stating how love can’t hit the mark and moreover that you will never have success in love.

One final character trait of Mercutio is his loyalty. Mercutio may not have an alliance with the capulets or the montagues instead being neutral, but he is incredibly loyal to his best friend Romeo up until his death. The best example of Mercutio being loyal is in act 3 scene I when he stands up for Romeo after Tybalt is constantly insulting him. Romeo does not want to get into a duel with Tybalt because they are technically family after he married Julet, but Mercutio will defend his friend's honor. Mercucio says “ O calm, dishonorable, vile submission!... Tybalt, you Ratcatcher, will you walk?”  This is Mercutio defending his friend's honor and challenging Tybalt to a battle. This same scene sees Mercutio being loyal to Romeo for standing up to the harsh words being said to him, fighting for him, and sadly, dying for him. Another great example of his Loyalty is Mercutio's Neutrality. Mercutio may veer more toward the side of the Montagues, but he mainly stays neutral and just stays loyal to his friend’s Benvolio and Romeo.

Mercutio from “Romeo and Juliet” has plenty of characteristics. Throughout the play, Mercutio is the pinnacle of showing loyalty, humor and anti Romanticness, but there's more. Optimistic, a good friend, and more are good ways to describe Mercutio. He is a character who is not shy to share his feelings on what is going on and that is a benefit and a detriment to him. Up until his death he very clearly shows his character and who he is. An important part of Romeo and Juliet, Mercutio and his attributes are shown very clearly throughout “Romeo and Juliet’s” 3 acts that he appears in.